Do College Rankings Matter?

Do College Rankings Matter?

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Priya
Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Mar 17, 2025 15:22 IST

Does university rankings matter?: Do the prospective students really consider them while making their decision about a particular college or university? Have you ever given a thought to rankings while applying to colleges or universities? How do you make your decision or how are you going to advise about a particular institution? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions which come to your mind when you hear this question - does the ranking of the university matter?

Do College Rankings Matter?

There are always two schools of thought on the matter that whether the college rankings really matter. Understanding the college or university rankings is a tricky affair. Do they really tell you about the real worth of a degree from a specific college? For some, these rankings are not perfect as different evaluating bodies use different methodologies for giving ranking to the colleges. For others, it gives a neat list which makes it easy to select the one where you want to apply. So, what is actually behind these numbers?

In a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students listed some important factors which should be considered while taking into account the ranking of the colleges/universities and these are:

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  • Chances of getting a good job after completing the degree/course
  • Admissions potential for top colleges/universities
  • The overall cost of attending the school
  • Size of the school and the student body
  • Details about the Campus

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Types of College Rankings

There are two types of university rankings:

  • College-based: These rankings evaluate the overall reputation and quality of the college/university as a whole. The factors taken into consideration for college rankings include academic reputation, faculty resources, research output and impact, student selectivity and graduation rates, campus facilities and resources, and international outlook. However, these rankings may not be helpful in reflecting the quality of specific programs within a university.
  • Course-based: These rankings evaluate the quality of a specific program or department at a given university. Hence, they are helpful for identifying universities with strong programs in your field of interest and comparing the quality of different programs at different universities. Unlike the college rankings, the factors included in subject rankings are the college's academic reputation within the specific field, research output and impact in the specific field, faculty expertise and qualifications in the specific field, graduate employability and student satisfaction. 

Does University Ranking Matter: Ranking Methodology

Some of the Factors/criteria adopted by various reputed ranking agencies while evaluating the college/university:

  1. Faculty of the Institution: This foremost factor is taken into account while deciding the goodwill of the college. This indicator is given a great amount of weight while assessing any school. How many students are comfortable with their professors while attending the classes or how much they are satisfied with them is a critical factor. Student-faculty ratio or prominent work of the professors or the highest degrees they hold in their field or their remuneration, all these factors are considered in different proportions when deciding the prestige of a college.
  2. Student Selectivity: Accessing higher education is one of the key aspects, as today, even nations want to promote their higher education institutes. The acceptance rate of students admitted in comparison to the total number of applicants. How can colleges improve their selectivity? They can make the application process easier for students or they can also upgrade their technology so that the number of students can apply.
  3. Economic Strength: One of the most important indicators to assess the higher education scenario of a country or higher education institutions. For measuring the state of higher education in a country, its spending in the education sector against its GDP is looked at. Whereas, the institutions having a large budget whether they earned it or the money has come through endowments generally rated higher in comparison to schools with less financial resources. However, large funds do not directly impact the learning of the students. What counts is actually how the institute is utilising this money so that students can benefit from it directly.
  4. Performance of the Graduates: This is the most important aspect of measuring the academic excellence of any institute. The difference between the ‘predicted graduation rate’ and ‘actual graduation rate’ of an institution plays a crucial role in deciding the ranking of a particular university/ college. For instance, the predicted graduation rate of Caltech is 99% whereas only 85% are able to graduate successfully with a degree from the university. According to Former Stanford President Gerhard Casper, this problem arises due to the fact that many students find the curriculum of Caltech too rigorous. The preset parameters that are applied to predict graduate rate fail to consider this point.
  5. Research: This is one of the most important factors as it can be used to assess the universities’ role in spreading knowledge and ideas through which one can find the research excellence of an institution. To measure this, one can count the number of papers published in peer-reviewed journals. If the university has a great reputation for its research work, then it adds to the university’s income by getting a research grant from various sources (like government, and industry). Apart from this, the influence of the research work can also be measured by its research work’s citation i.e. how much its research work is cited by the scholars worldwide.
  6. Teaching: This aspect is perfect for looking at how successful an institution in nurturing the next generation of leaders and academics. Some ranking bodies consider the doctoral awards bagged by an institute, however, this is not an optimal criterion of measuring academic success as it does not consider the institution’s subject or course mix. One can also get the true picture of the university’s infrastructure and resources and their utilisation.
  7. International Outreach:  Any university’s ability to attract students as well as faculty from across the world is an indicator of its presence on the global platform. Apart from this, any university’s industrial collaboration and its international associations are also accounted for.

Similar Read:

Strengths of Going Through Rankings

Below are some pros of using the different university rankings and how they affect the students' decision to choose a university to study abroad. 








  1. Broad Overview: For some people attending a reputed college is paramount. There can be numerous factors related to it. For them, it might open an array of opportunities, while for others it is a matter of gaining extensive knowledge in their field of study. If this matters to you, then evaluating some of the top schools which will appear at the top in different lists will make the selection process comparatively easy for you.
  2. Easy Evaluation:  One gets assurance about the schools which are featured at the top of various lists that you will get a quality education there. Faculty, research-oriented approach towards learning and even the student professor's ratio (receive personal attention from faculty) are some of the factors which are taken into consideration while giving rankings. This sets a baseline for selecting the college where students can achieve academic excellence and gives them an idea of which school will live up to their expectations. 

Drawbacks of Relying Just on Rankings

Even though university rankings help a lot in selecting the right university for one to study abroad, there are some limitations attached to making decisions solely depending on the university rankings, as given below. 







  1. One-size-fits-all approach: The rankings are based on some set parameters which may not cater to a large set of students as they lack diversity.
  2. Set your priorities: If a school features in the list of prestigious schools that does not mean that it is perfect for you and is best suited for accomplishing your goals. Like if any survey gives more weight to ‘income after placements’, whereas the other one completely ignores it, then it becomes difficult to believe in them.

After going through various aspects of selecting the top-most colleges/universities, we have come to the conclusion that the colleges ranking matters. However, this should not be considered the sole criteria for selecting the colleges, as some colleges are good but they don’t make it to the Rankings due to multiple factors. With college rankings, one can evaluate if you are a good fit for the college or not but does not establish whether the college is a good fit for you. Just as one list cannot give a complete story of a college.

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Do College Ranking Matter FAQs

Q. Does university ranking matter?

A. Yes, it can be worth your time to carefully study how a university ranks in different subjects, as well as in the overall rankings. Many people decide about their study destination based on how a university is placed in the rankings. This is why it is important to know about the college rankings before taking admission.

Q. Why are rankings so important to colleges?

A. The rankings provide colleges and universities some proof points that the education received at their school is of high quality. In a way, the rankings highlight the strengths and provide quick insight into what sets them apart from other universities.

Q. Do universities care where you rank them?

A. Usually, no. Whether you place a university or a specific program as first, second, third or higher on the application, this is actually not considered a factor while stating the admission decisions.

Q. What are some of the factors that are considered by the reputed ranking agencies while evaluating the university?

A. Factors like faculty of the institution, student selectivity, economic strength, performance of the graduates, research, teaching, and international outreach are considered by the reputed ranking agencies while evaluating the universities.

Q. Should you tell a college that it is your top choice?

A. There is no harm in telling your college that they are your top choice. However, you should use creative avenues to demonstrate your interest. This could include demonstrating interest by applying early and developing connections with your top choice colleges. Many college essays ask why you want to attend this college, so this is also a perfect opportunity to express your interest.

Q:   How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?
A:

After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   What are the English language test scores required at the South Wales University?
A:

The English language test score required at the Univerisyt of South Wales are mentioned in the table below for the international applicants whose first language is not English

Exam

Minimum Scores

IELTS

6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band

TOEFL

72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

PTE

a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component.

Q:   What is the minimum IELTS score for the UK?
A:

The minimum IELTS score required for studying in the UK ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Most undergraduate programs require a minimum score of 6.0, while postgraduate courses often require at least 6.5. However, there are some 5.5 IELTS band score accepting universities in UK for foundation or pre-master's courses.

Q:   What rank is Bournemouth University in the UK?
A:

The Bournemouth University ranks highly as part of UK-wide rankings given by a number of notable ranking platforms. Shiksha ranks it #59 as part of its the latest popularity rankings. An unofficial source ranks BU, #105 as part of its National University Rankings for 2025, while another major college/university ranking platform ranks it #56 as part of its UK University Rankings 2025.

Some of its streams are also ranked by Shiksha, as given below:

StreamShiksha Popularity Ranking
Engineering#85
Business & Management #85
Mass Communication#27
Nursing#31
Arts#50
Law #65
Science#72
Accounting #90
Q:   Is Essex University good for an MBA?
A:

Essex University is among the top business and management universities in the UK that offer quality education to international students. It ranks at 61 in the UK by the 'Complete University Guide' for Business and Management studies. The university offers an MBA programme at a low cost for international students. Applicants can complete the first year of education of the MBA programme from INR 17 L to INR 27 L. Therefore, yes the university is good for an MBA in the UK.

Check the list of Top Ranked MBA Universities in the UK

Q:   Which specializations can I find in the programs offered at H.R.H. The Prince of Wales Institute of Engineering and Technology?
A:
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales Institute of Engineering and Technology offers various courses like After 10th Diploma in Engineering stream. H.R.H. The Prince of Wales Institute of Engineering and Technology has specializations such as Agriculture & Farm Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Instrumentation Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering.
Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

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Priya Garg
Study Abroad Expert

Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(2)

A

Arvind YN

a year ago

My son has got admission to Master of Schience in Computer Schience at both UC Riverside and SUNY Buffalo. UC Riverside ranking based on course and college is much higher that of SUNY Buffalo. Overall cost of studying at UC Riverside is higher than that of SUNY Baffalo by around 8 Lacs which is not

...Read more

Reply to Arvind YN

Hello Sir! Our team of counsellors can best guide you. You can sign up for free on this link: Shiksha Abroad Counselling Good luck!

H

Hiba Sulaiman

3 years ago

Sir, I am in 11th std ..I want to study in uk after 12th...I want to study BSC PHYSICS..What all exams must I take for getting admission in uk university other than ielts?

Reply to Hiba Sulaiman

P

Piyush Kohli

2 years ago

Hi Hiba, please refer to the below URL and check out the exams you need to give after class12th: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/study-abroad-exams-to-give-after-class-xii-articlepage-2399