One Look At Excellent Colleges
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A Closer Look at Top Colleges
Exploring What Makes a School Excellent
As the fall season brings an influx of college rankings to bookstores, I found myself pondering a crucial question: What defines an excellent school? After parents, prospective students, or college recruiters sift through these rankings, what truly makes a school stand out?
There has been ongoing debate among admissions officers and college presidents regarding the value of ranking schools based on statistics. While these debates hold merit, they often mean little to the top-tier institutions. Harvard, for instance, isn't likely to lose applicants simply for being ranked
2. Similarly, schools like military academies, flagship state universities, and specialized institutions such as Cooper Union and Webb Institute consistently attract excellent students, irrespective of their rankings.
However, rankings can be significant for families choosing between similar regional or national schools that aren't at the very top. For instance, deciding between a top regional university and a national university within the top 100 rankings can be influenced by these lists. Rankings might also influence decisions between in-state flagship universities and out-of-state institutions that offer competitive tuition rates. As a Rutgers University graduate from New Jersey, I've noticed institutions like the University of Delaware and West Virginia University becoming popular choices for residents.
For some school leaders, rankings hold substantial importance. High rankings can prompt trustees to invest more in facilities and scholarships, enhancing the institution's reputation. Moving from 75th to 50th can significantly benefit an emerging university more than a well-established one with an international reputation. Such ambitions aren’t negative; a country can never have too many quality schools.
Engaging in my analysis of the U.S. News college guide rankings, I developed my criteria for excellence focused on graduation and student retention rates. I believe the finest schools effectively attract, retain, and graduate their students.
Graduation and retention rates, though not flawless, offer valuable insights into the success of admissions and student services. Excellent schools combine rigorous academics with substantial support to ensure student success. High retention and graduation rates often correlate with strong alumni networks and appeal to graduate schools and employers.
I set my benchmark: an 85% freshman retention rate and a 65% six-year graduation rate. Although I prefer not to rely on a six-year rate, certain factors such as leaves of absence, military service, and cooperative education programs justify its use.
In my assessment, 265 four-year colleges met these standards. Among 262 large research universities, both public and private, 104 exceeded the 85-65 standard, including all top 72 ranked schools. Out of 266 national liberal arts colleges, 105 met both criteria. Additionally, 37 regional universities, 8 baccalaureate colleges, and 11 specialty schools also surpassed the benchmark.
Contrary to some parents' expectations, the list of excellent schools extends beyond the most selective institutions, including 84 schools admitting over 65% of applicants for this year’s class. Yet, SAT scores remain crucial. Higher-ranked schools typically accept students with high verbal and math SAT scores. Though strong grades can offset lower scores at most schools, preparing well for these tests is advisable.
Conclusion
While the best of the best schools merit recognition, numerous other schools deserve attention as well. This analysis isn’t exhaustive. Families should consider financial factors too. Inquire about average tuition increases, student loan debt, and the school's bond rating to assess financial viability, as scholarships and grants may not keep pace with rising tuition.
Ultimately, there are many excellent schools to choose from, but the right choice depends on personal financial circumstances and priorities. Surprises may await those seeking the best educational value.
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