Do college rankings really matter?

Q&A with April Crabtree, 
Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Admission Services 
09/04/2026

College rankings matter, but they should never be the only factor when choosing a college. Rankings can help you compare universities based on academic reputation, research activity and graduation outcomes. However, they don't measure everything that shapes the student experience, such as campus culture, affordability, academic fit or career support.

College rankings can help you compare universities, but they shouldn't replace research into:

• academic programs
• career outcomes
• affordability
• campus culture
• student support
• internship opportunities
• undergraduate research
• location
• personal fit

Colleges and universities take great pride in their rankings. You’ll see them prominently displayed on billboards and digital ads and hear about them from recruiters at college fairs and campus visits. Rankings provide colleges and universities third-party proof points that the education at their school is high quality.
Students often ask some version of the question: “What does this ranking mean for my experience at your school?” Fair question. So we asked ASU’s associate vice president of Enrollment and Admission Services, April Crabtree, to talk to us about the value of rankings for students.

Q: What are college rankings?

A: College rankings are evaluations published by organizations that compare colleges using factors such as graduation rates, research output, faculty resources, employer reputation, student outcomes and peer assessments. Every ranking uses its own methodology, which is why universities can appear in very different positions across rankings and lists. 

Q: How should students evaluate a college ranking?

A: When reviewing rankings, ask:

• Who publishes the rankings?
• What data is used?
• How recent is the information?
• Which factors receive the most weight?
• Does the ranking evaluate the university overall or your specific major?

Q: Why do colleges use rankings to promote themselves to students?

A: There are thousands of institutions in the U.S., and we’re all looking for ways to differentiate ourselves so that students understand what makes us different from others they are considering. We want to highlight our strengths and provide quick insight into what we believe sets us apart. Rankings are a great way for colleges to tell quick stories that help students understand who we are and what benefits they would receive from an education at our institutions.

Q: Are there any rankings that are definitely worth paying attention to?

A: Because college choice is such a personal decision, some rankings may be more important to a family than others. For example, some rankings are voted on by university leaders like college presidents and provosts. These are called peer-to-peer rankings and you can usually find if a ranking is peer-to-peer by looking at its methodology. What’s most important is reliable information. Be sure to confirm the rankings you’re looking at are based on solid research methods.

It’s also a good idea to look at a university's total overall rankings. For example, you might find that ASU isn’t even in the top 50 universities on one particular list. But when you see that ASU has been ranked No. 1 on more than 30 different rankings lists over the past three years, that tells you that others believe that the college experience we’re delivering is high-quality. And that’s something that looking at just one ranking may not tell you.

I encourage you to ask the universities you're considering which rankings matter most to them and why. At Arizona State University, we believe rankings are most meaningful when they reflect outcomes that matter to students. For example, ASU has earned repeated No. 1 rankings for innovation and global impact, as well as a No. 2 ranking for employability. Together, these rankings reflect strengths in research, student preparation and employer confidence. 

In addition to rankings, it’s a good idea to find out what groups or organizations the universities you’re considering are part of. For example, ASU is part of the Association of American Universities, which recognizes ASU’s research strength. This is important because universities have to be voted in by the member universities, and only around 70 universities have achieved AAU membership. This is an example of peer-to-peer rankings that I mentioned earlier.

Q: Why do college rankings differ so much? For example, a college could be No. 10 on one list and No. 70 on a similar list.

A: No college or university can be everything to everyone. Due to faculty members, alumni or research expenditures, a school may be a national leader in political science, for example, while being a “middle of the pack” school for engineering, and vice versa. If you take stock in rankings, consider being more concerned about the rankings that most directly relate to your chosen field of study. One word of caution is that a top-ranked program may not translate into an excellent experience. Campus visits and conversations with other students, alumni and faculty are often better gauges of how you’ll fit at the school you’re considering.

Q: How reliant should a student be on college rankings in making their college decision?

A: I encourage students to use all the sources they can, including rankings, when making their college decision. However, rankings shouldn’t be the only source. Use rankings as just one piece of the decision-making process. In many cases, a particular ranking may not mean anything to you. You should do your own research and look for the experience you want. You should feel welcomed and challenged academically by an academic community. 

Finally, remember that the quality of your education is also reliant on the effort that you make. Passively sitting through a lecture at a school with a top-five ranking is far less impactful than actively participating (going to office hours, collaborating with classmates, participating in research, etc.) at a school ranked in the top 50.

Q: Should a student look at university rankings or program rankings?

A: Both matter. I advise students to look comprehensively. Look at universities that are able to provide more than just your major. Your academic and career interests are important, but the student experience beyond the classroom is an important component as well. For example, there are rankings in aspects like career services and first-year experience, which ASU ranks very highly on. Rankings like these shed a bit of light on other aspects the school values as a part of the college experience.  

How much weight should college rankings carry?
Think of rankings as one piece of the college decision-making puzzle. The following is a general guide as to where you might consider ranking various aspects of the college decision-making process:

Rankings can help start your college search, but they shouldn’t finish it

College rankings are useful, but they shouldn't make your decision for you. Instead, use rankings alongside information about:

• your intended major
• graduation outcomes
• affordability
• internships
• faculty
• research opportunities
• campus environment
• career preparation

The best college is the one that best matches your goals.

FAQs

Do college rankings really matter?

Yes, but only as one part of your college search. Rankings can provide valuable information about a university's reputation and strengths, but they should be considered alongside academic programs, career outcomes, affordability and personal fit. The best college for you is the one that aligns with your goals and helps you succeed. 

Why are college rankings different?

College rankings differ because each ranking organization uses its own methodology. Some rankings place more emphasis on academic reputation and research, while others focus on factors like graduation rates, student outcomes, affordability or employer recognition. Because they measure different criteria, the same university may rank differently across various lists. 

Should I choose a college based on rankings?

No. While college rankings can be a helpful starting point, they shouldn't be the deciding factor. Consider rankings alongside your academic interests, career goals, affordability, campus culture and the opportunities available in your intended major. The best college is one that aligns with your goals and provides the experience you're looking for. 

What should I consider besides rankings?

Look for a university that fits your academic, personal and career goals. Consider factors like the strength of your intended major, affordability, career services, internship and research opportunities, campus culture, student support, and graduation outcomes. Visiting campus and talking with current students can also help you determine whether a college is the right fit for you. 

How are college rankings calculated?

Every ranking organization uses its own methodology, so no two rankings are exactly alike. Most rankings evaluate factors such as academic reputation, research activity, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student outcomes, and employer recognition. Before relying on a ranking, review its methodology to understand what it's measuring and whether those factors align with what's most important to you.