Each ranking publication relies on a different formula, or methodology, to determine which colleges and universities it considers the “best.” This page includes links to the methodology of popular college ranking publications so you can help your students determine which factors matter to them or what information may be missing in any given ranking publication.

U.S. Rankings

U.S. News & World Report

The Princeton Review

Washington Monthly

Money

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education

Forbes

Business Insider

Kiplinger

Niche

World Rankings

U-Multirank

QS World

Times Higher Education

U.S. News & World Report

Guardian (UK)