Members of NACAC and others have expressed long withstanding concerns about college ranking publications. The discussion about college rankings and their effects is extensive and ongoing. Explore NACAC resources that contribute to the discussion.

Report of the NACAC Ad Hoc Committee on US News & World Rankings

Released in 2011, this report includes recommendations from NACAC’s Ad Hoc Committee on U.S. News and World Report Rankings. The committee’s recommendations focused on ensuring that students and families have the ability to form their own impressions about which college is the best fit for them.

Methodology Behind College Rankings

Each ranking publication relies on a different formula, or methodology, to determine which colleges and universities it considers the “best.” This page includes links to the methodology of popular college ranking publications so you can help your students determine which factors matter to them or what information may be missing in any given ranking publication.

College Rankings: What Do They Really Mean?

Various magazines publish their college rankings issues every year, generating a lot of attention from the media, colleges, and college-bound students and their families. But what are they really telling you? Should these rankings have any influence on what college you choose?

Podcast Episodes

NACAC’s College Admissions Decoded podcast

Episode 10: “What Do College Rankings Really Mean?”

Episode 11: “Why College Late Bloomers Are Special”