The 2011 U.S. News & World Report college rankings came out this week. For the first time this year, high school counselors as well as high-ranking college administrators were polled to determine a school's prestige. The results of the new methodology, however, look remarkably similar to last year. Harvard edged out Princeton for the best national university, and Williams once again earned the title of best liberal arts college. Berkeley held its position as the best public university.
In the relatively new category of "best undergraduate teaching," Dartmouth gets the top spot for universities, and Carleton ranks highest among liberal arts colleges (last year it was Pomona). For "up-and-coming" schools, Hendrix repeated as the top liberal arts college, and UMBC topped the chart for universities. You can browse all the lists for free on the U.S. News website.
While many of us enjoy seeing who does well in college rankings, realize that these rankings shouldn't play a significant role as you look for the college that is the best match for you. U.S. News, Forbes, The Princeton Review and other organizations in the college ranking business can't tell you which schools will best match your personality, passions, and professional goals.
Comments