Is College Ranking Necessary?

This article explains in finite detail how if the variables on which a certain ranking is based on is changed, the ranking itself will also change especially if the ranking is both heterogenous and comprehensive as many variables are being taken into account at once. Another aspect that can change rankings is who the rankings is done by as everyone has their own opinions and thoughts and depending on what that specific person thinks or feels about a certain subject will alter how they will rank a certain subject compared to somebody else. For example if somebody was told to rank colleges based on their ‘graduation rate performance’, the school with the highest graduation rate will be ranked as first. On the other hand if those same colleges were ranked based on tuition fees, in this case the variable the ranking was based on has changed, there is a possibilty the school ranked first for the highest graduation rate would be ranked

First they reveal that there is not enough information available for prospective students to research possible colleges to decide if that institution would be beneficial for them (Pg.220, Para.1). They proceed to document several efforts that attempt to solve this problem, such as the College Scorecard and PayScale college rankings (Pg. 220, Para.3). However they claim that these efforts are not enough and more must be done. The authors insist that in addition to providing information, students need assistance with increasing the ROI of their college education. They suggest that colleges should work to ensure that more of their students graduate (Pg.221, Para. 3). Also, students should have help discovering how much financial aid they are eligible for, as they often underestimate the amount they could earn (Pg. 122, Para. 2). Owen and Sawhill reveal that future college students are often confused when it comes to choosing an institution and finding help to graduate and pay tuition. Therefore they use pathos to connect with their reader’s compassion for these students. Suggestions on how to assist these students are offered. Overall the argument is strengthened as the authors unveil certain needs of students through

U.S. News ranks Harvard University as the number one college in the world. Harvard University is also a perfect example of discrimination based on race in that they are bound to a system of quotas. Before covering the racial disparities at Harvard, it must be noted that while the SAT is not a perfect evaluation of students’ abilities, it is still

Parents should be less concerned with the few selected colleges and be far more concerned with their children's habits, correct mindset, skillset, and

Frank Bruni’s article “How to measure a college’s value”(2015), analyzes the value of a college education based on a diversity of often unconsidered factors. Bruni supports his claim by questioning the unknown, constantly repeating the central argument in order to shift the audience away from preconceived notations, and through statistical facts to provide credibility. Bruni’s purpose is to educate society on what constitutes a college’s worth in order to demonstrate that the experience is truly based on an individual’s actions and not the school index value. Due to the factual nature of the article it is written to advise incoming students on how they can benefit from each college not just ones that are assumed to provide a defined path for

College: What is Was, Is and Should Be, by Andrew Delbanco takes both a historical and analytical approach to the evolution of higher education institutions in the United States. While thought provoking, some of his views balance on the verge of extremity. Many colleges provide students with the skills necessary for what is happening in society at that moment. This is exemplified in how the application process has changed from the earliest colleges to today. Also, when colleges were first introduced into society, students were recommended by members of society to attend a school, which is much different than the process today. Another aspect of what Delbanco discusses in his book is the disparity between a small liberal arts college and

“In some cases, campuswide averages have crept up from a C just 10 years to B-plus today” (411). In Brent Staples essay “Why Colleges Shower Their Students with A’s” he makes many issues and arguments on the subject. Many college level institutions are faced with demanding consumers and competition from other universities over grade issues. The colleges have simply started just handing out more and more A’s to their students to better their satisfaction. This action taken by the colleges is having many repercussions on grade inflation and making the value of degrees meaningless worldwide. With this alarming statistic about the campus wide averages and the universities resorting to giving the consumers what they want is creating a terrible

institutions(PWI)? This essay will argue as well as compare and contrast if HBCU’s are better

The decision making process on what college to attend can be stressful. For some, the deciding factor can be where they get the better offer for sports, such as Butler Community College, or where is closer to home, like Wichita State University. When the time comes to have this tough, and extremely long, process come into play, look at the pros and cons of the college choices and how each one can benefit life after college. What institution can you get out of as much as you put in? Which college has the degree completion plan you are wanting to pursue? These questions weighs in all incoming college students minds who strive for that goal of success that is a college degree. Despite bearing some minor similarities, the differences

In today’s society, most state colleges have become more comparable to businesses rather than universities. It is a competition between them to see who can

As far as colleges and universities, this is an entirely different matter. I view the school, public or private,

There is a certain criteria which a college must meet in order for me to feel that a truly beneficial education can be gained from it, and with the costs that go into college it is highly important that this criteria be met. My first choice school would have definitely met my personal requirements, but in the event that admission to this college was not granted to me my previously used checklist would be applied to my three options in order to determine the best school for me.

In todays society universities seem to only worry about where they sit on the ranking list amongst other universities. According to Nicolaus Mills the means of a higher education “lies in the commitment of colleges and universities have made to winning the rating war” (Par 4). This shows how university now value a higher education upon where a university sits on the ranking list instead of the prestigious education that they offer. With universities fighting to become number one on the list most of them have decided to “increase spending for student services that on a percentage basis outpace their increases in academic instruction” (Mills Par.9) This claims that the raise of universities spending money on student services such as

A majority of high school students contemplate the correct college for them to personally attend. While many students end up at their forever home right off the bat, some must transfer and still continue looking after graduation. There are many important aspects while searching for a college, but price is often a key factor. When picking a college, many students have to look at the degree program offered by the specific university. Many students, for their first year away from their parents, do not want to stray to far from home, while also feeling like they are on their own. In comparing the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, there are many different aspects students need to put into consideration, but price, degree program,

The article on “Rank Colleges, But Rank Them Right" has several strong points, one of which is the need for rankings motivated by the increasing demand by students and their parents for credible ranking data. The author, David Leonhardt, effectively appeals to the reader via three avenues: ethos, logos, and pathos. As a columnist, as well as managing editor for the New York Times, Leonhardt is plain spoken and analytical in his data laced commentary on ranking colleges. Included in his summary, lending credibility to the value of and need for rankings are in the following statements: "Today the United States ranks ninth among industrialized nations in higher education attainment...;" America used to be considered to be “the most