College rankings have the unique attribute of being both annoying and impossible not to look at. Yes, most people know college rankings are flawed and not a reliable indicator of what college will be best for each person in particular. At the same time, it's practically irresistible to ignore college rankings when they come out.
Below is a list of some of the better-known college rankings. They are compiled here to help readers get a better sense of how widely college rankings vary. Keep in mind, too, that college rankings should only inform a very small part -- if any -- of your opinions about various schools.
(Related reading: What's the difference between a college and a university?)
3. Newsweek
4. The Princeton Review
© 2011 The Princeton Review. Used with permission.
5. U.S. News & World Report
© U.S. News & World Report. Used with permission.
6. Nontraditional, Fun, & Funky Rankings and Lists
© League of American Bicyclists. Used with permission.
- 10 Private Colleges With the Lowest Graduating Debt (Kiplinger)
- The Best 25 Schools for Do-Gooders (Newsweek)
- A+ Schools for B Students (U.S. News & World Report)
- Financial Aid Honor Roll (The Princeton Review)
- Best Bicycle-Friendly Universities (League of American Bicyclists)
- America's Greenest Colleges and Universities (Forbes)
