Why NOT to Use the Forbes College Rankings to Choose a School
Posted 14 Nov, 2008
With college legislation and student loan troubles all over the headlines, it seems like everyone wants to get in on the college news front. The latest addition? A new “College Ranking” list from Forbes Magazine.
Another Way NOT to Choose a College
Forbes, which joins U.S. News in the college ranking game, has recently released its methodology for upcoming college rankings-and they’re possibly even more disappointing than the U.S. News methodology. They described their ranking methods as follows:
- 25% on student evaluations at RateMyProfessors.com
- 25% on # of alumni listed in “Who’s Who in America”
- 50% divided among:
- Average student debt
- % of students who finish in 4 years
- # of students/professors who have won awards & honors
The 25% credited to RateMyProfessors.com may be the most questionable, as that site is not heavily moderated. Anyone can sign up and rate a professor, and many students use it as a venting ground for schools and teachers they dislike. In addition, some professors get high rankings from students merely because they are easy graders. Unfortunately, it appears this is just one more ranking publication for parents and students to disregard during college search time.
The Best Methodology
Back in May I disclosed just how choosing the “right” college can save you money- it can result in a better financial aid package and your student is more likely to finish college in 4 years instead of spending extra time and money making up for lost transfer credits (or worse, dropping out altogether). Beyond the finances, the right college will likely allow your student to make a smooth transition from high school to college.
So how do you find the dream college for your child? You need to choose the school not with the highest ranking in a magazine (you’ll notice these change between publications anyway), but with the best ranking for your student specifically. The school needs to be a great fit for your student’s personality, academic skills, and social and environmental needs.
Need help? Review this article about how to choose the right college for your student (these tips have been working for my clients for years)-and then go for it!
All the best,
Deborah Fox
Deborah Fox is the founder of Fox College Funding®, a nationwide company that helps families find creative ways to reduce their college costs.
photo: Student Union by harrykeely
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With college legislation and student loan troubles all over the headlines, it seems like everyone wants to get in on the college news front. The latest addition? A new “College Ranking” list from Forbes Magazine.
Another Way NOT to Choose a College
Forbes, which joins U.S. News in the college ranking game, has recently released its methodology for upcoming college rankings-and they’re possibly even more disappointing than the U.S. News methodology. They described their ranking methods as follows:
- 25% on student evaluations at RateMyProfessors.com
- 25% on # of alumni listed in “Who’s Who in America”
- 50% divided among:
- Average student debt
- % of students who finish in 4 years
- # of students/professors who have won awards & honors
The 25% credited to RateMyProfessors.com may be the most questionable, as that site is not heavily moderated. Anyone can sign up and rate a professor, and many students use it as a venting ground for schools and teachers they dislike. In addition, some professors get high rankings from students merely because they are easy graders. Unfortunately, it appears this is just one more ranking publication for parents and students to disregard during college search time.
The Best Methodology
Back in May I disclosed just how choosing the “right” college can save you money- it can result in a better financial aid package and your student is more likely to finish college in 4 years instead of spending extra time and money making up for lost transfer credits (or worse, dropping out altogether). Beyond the finances, the right college will likely allow your student to make a smooth transition from high school to college.
So how do you find the dream college for your child? You need to choose the school not with the highest ranking in a magazine (you’ll notice these change between publications anyway), but with the best ranking for your student specifically. The school needs to be a great fit for your student’s personality, academic skills, and social and environmental needs.
Need help? Review this article about how to choose the right college for your student (these tips have been working for my clients for years)-and then go for it!
All the best,
Deborah Fox
Deborah Fox is the founder of Fox College Funding®, a nationwide company that helps families find creative ways to reduce their college costs.
photo: Student Union by harrykeely
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe by Email
I am really impressed with your site, and, although this is the article that’s initially captured my interest, I look forward to perusing your archives. I’ve never been a fan of the national “rank” listings of schools, because I think the ranking too broadly generalizes students. Different students have different needs and goals. It’s really peculiar, too, that anyone would use RateMyProfessors.com for some sort of ranking. That’s like choosing the football team based on a popularity contest.
Thank you, Jessica! I hope you enjoy the archives!