Honestly, it is disappointing to read that the ratings are so subjective. I don't see how deans and faculty of a different school can judge other schools.
It makes more sense to have an independent team of reviewers actually go see what the school has to offer and interview students and faculty.
Send employers the surveys who hired those students and ask how well the graduates perform instead of deans and faculty of other schools.
SBof NJ10:33PM May 20, 2012
I agree that this system is very subjective and unreliable.
To rank the Best to Worst Colleges I would think that the best method should be much more measurable.
For example we could compare the average cost of the education at a particular university vs. the average percentage of graduates who land jobs within a specific amount of time AND what those job's salaries average are compared to other universities.
I think that would be a much better measure of the value of a degree obtained from the university vs. the subjective nature of this survey.
There are other measurable statistics that should also be considered such as the graduation rate, transfer out rate, drop out rate, average SAT and ACT scores who applied and/or accepted, etc.
It would be really nice to have a sort-able database whereby you could input your student's information and have the computer sort out that student's best college based on scholarships for that student, graduation rate for similar students, jobs obtained, etc.
Odisof TX9:22PM March 26, 2012
"peer judgments can be very subjective... what about judging on numbers of graduates in a field and how many found jobs? what about the number of engineering programs whose graduates contribute significantly to the economy of a state?
we all have our favorite schools and programs.. use data, not opinions..."
My thoughts exactly... US News Rankings have become nothing but media... But I guess it is cool to see my school in the top 10 list that has no meaning/backing...
John Doeof TX11:49AM March 21, 2012
peer judgments can be very subjective... what about judging on numbers of graduates in a field and how many found jobs? what about the number of engineering programs whose graduates contribute significantly to the economy of a state?
we all have our favorite schools and programs.. use data, not opinions...
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SB of NJ 10:33PM May 20, 2012
Odis of TX 9:22PM March 26, 2012
John Doe of TX 11:49AM March 21, 2012
Fay Hoggard of NC 2:29PM March 14, 2012
Link of CA 8:49AM December 26, 2011
Joan Wall of OH 6:41AM September 14, 2011