Subject Guide
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National Rankings Resources
- U.S. News and World ReportAnnual rankings of graduate and undergraduate programs. Rankings of colleges and universities are based on academic reputation, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate, and alumni giving rate. Annual rankings are published in March or April.
Current year rankings: free online access to rankings for the current year.
Rankings from 1999-2010 available in print issues of America's Best Graduate Schools at the University of Michigan Library.
Rankings from 1990-1998 available in print issues of U.S. News and World Report at the University of Michigan Library.
- The Princeton ReviewAnnual rankings of undergraduate colleges and universities. Rankings are based on student surveys covering their school's academics and administration, life at their college, their fellow students and their own experiences. Online access requires an account.
- ForbesAnnual rankings of undergraduate colleges and universities, from 2008. Forbes' outcome-based rankings take into account student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt, graduation rate, and academic success. Free online access for current year rankings.
- The EconomistFirst year ranking undergraduate colleges and universities was 2015. Ranks the economic value of an education by assessing alumni earnings above expectations. Free online access.
- The Gourman ReportAnnual undergraduate and graduate rankings, published by Dr. Jack Gourman from 1967-1997. Methodology is not disclosed by the author. Available in print only.
- National Research CouncilRankings of doctorate programs. Dimensions include research activity, student support and outcome, and diversity of the academic environment. Free online access.
International Rankings Resources
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)Annual rankings of international colleges and universities, from 2003 to present. Compiled by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Universities are ranked by quality of education, quality of faculty, research output, and per capita academic performance. Free online access.
- Times Higher EducationResearch-based rankings of world universities. Methodology includes teaching environment, research volume, citation volume, international outlook, and industry income. Free online access.
- College and University RankingsComprehensive guide to finding university rankings around the world, from UC San Diego Library.
Further Reading on College Rankings
Myers, L. & Robe, J. (2009). College rankings: History, criticism and reform. Center for College Affordability and
Productivity. http://eric.ed.gov.proxy.lib.umich.edu/?id=ED536277
Clarke, M. (2002). News or noise? An analysis of "U.S. News and World Report's" ranking scores. Educational Measurement:
Issues and Practice, 21(4), 39-48.
http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/eric/docview/62217846/3FD266E917B3438DPQ/1?accountid=14667
Authors
This guide was authored by Marley Kalt, in conjunction with Karen Downing and with input by Scott Dennis.