subject: What Criterions Are Used to Rank Universities? [print this page] What Criterions Are Used to Rank Universities?
Students enrolling with universities in the United States base their selection on a number of factors. Rankings and reviews are among the best criterions for a student to choose the best offline or online university. University rankings are themselves based upon a number of factors.
A number of recognized bodies and websites prepare these rankings taking into account these factors. Here is a discussion on what factors contribute towards the process.
Assessment through ExpertsAn important ranking criterion is assessment of different university campuses with the help of experts. Guidance counselors, for example, are the experts who help in unbiased preparation of university rankings. Peer assessment done with the help of deans and presidents of various universities is also a useful consideration in this direction.
Annual EnrollmentThere are many authorized websites that regularly update the lists of top 2000 ranked universities on the basis of annual enrollment. The number of students joining different courses of a university helps in assessing its popularity. It is also a useful criterion to rank specific courses and degree programs offered by different universities. Annual enrollments of national and international students are counted separately to prepare local and global university rankings.
Faculty AssessmentFaculty qualifications and degree level are other useful criterions to prepare university rankings. Another related criterion is student-faculty ratio for different academic programs. Proportion of faculty working on full-time basis and faculty salary too are taken into account while preparing these rankings.
Student AssessmentThere are many factors related to student assessment that help in deciding rankings of universities in the country. One of these factors is the student selectivity procedure. Student retention rate is another related factor that contributes towards the process of preparing university rankings. Per-student spending and financial aid available for the students are important deciding factors as well.
Other FactorsLocation of the university campus and offered safety measures are important concerns for international students and they also help in university ranking. Total cost of attendance and program popularity too are considered in the process.
Before you get enrolled with a particular university in the United States, make sure to go through rankings prepared by authorized websites. Rankings based on aforementioned factors should help you make the right selection.v
