Get the latest tech news

From Myth to Measurement: Rethinking US News and World Report College Rankings

In the grand theater of American higher education, few performances are as anticipated—or as controversial—as the annual unveiling of the U.S. News & World Report college rankings.  Like a high-stakes beauty pageant for academia, these rankings have become a cultural touchstone, influencing the decisions of countless students, parents, and even the very institutions they aim…

What began as a “promotional gimmick” in the 1980s has morphed into what Bernstein himself inadvertently dubbed a “mythology” rather than a methodology in a conversation with Malcolm Gladwell — a Freudian slip that speaks volumes. Conversation Starter: The hot sauce bottles became a talking point, increasing the likelihood that other university leaders would discuss Rowan, further enhancing its visibility and reputation. While clever, this case underscores the fundamental issues with the ranking system: it often rewards marketing prowess and resource allocation strategies over genuine improvements in educational quality and student outcomes.

Get the Android app