New Perspectives on College Rankings: Insights from Kaplan
Changing Attitudes Towards College Rankings
Recent findings by global educational services provider Kaplan reveal a substantial shift among college admissions officers regarding the significance of college rankings. A survey conducted with over 200 admissions professionals revealed that 75 percent believe that college and university rankings have diminished in prestige over the past few years. This marks a notable rise from the 56 percent who shared this sentiment in a previous Kaplan survey. These insights emerge coinciding with the release of the 2025 rankings by prominent outlets, prompting a critical discussion about the role of these rankings in the admissions landscape.
Impact on Admissions Decisions
Rankings and Institutional Participation
The Kaplan survey also highlights that approximately 13 percent of colleges currently engaged in the rankings are contemplating withdrawing from the process altogether. This reflects a lingering uncertainty within the academic community about the validity and impact of rankings on student recruitment and institutional reputation.
Admissions Officers Speak Out
Participants in the Kaplan survey expressed varied opinions about the implications of rankings:
- Many admissions officers commented on the flawed nature of rankings, suggesting that the public often places excessive importance on them without fully understanding their methodologies. Some noted that institutions are now caught in a competitive cycle where the first to withdraw from rankings could face repercussions.
- Concerns were raised about certain schools potentially inflating information to enhance their rankings, leading to a misrepresentation that may not benefit students seeking their ideal academic fit.
- Several admissions officers criticized the authority attributed to ranking outlets, arguing that the aggregated assessments do not capture the nuanced value of each institution.
- Some voiced that while rankings can offer insights, they should not be regarded as definitive measures of quality. It’s essential to understand that a lower-ranked school can still provide an excellent education and fit for many students.
The Human Element in College Selection
As competition intensifies, admissions officers admit that the periodic release of rankings can create anxiety among colleges. Jason Bedford, senior vice president for Kaplan, reflected on this pressure. He indicated that for many top-ranked schools, their positioning in these rankings serves as a crucial recruitment tool, impacting both student admissions and fundraising efforts. "Although these rankings consider essential statistics, such as graduation rates, prospective students should not overly rely on them when deciding where to enroll," Bedford advised.
The Importance of Personal Fit
Price and financial aid considerations often weigh heavily in students' decisions. Kaplan recommends that students and their families engage in campus tours, meet current students and faculty, and explore various aspects of an institution. This approach allows prospective students to discover personal factors and academic opportunities that might surpass the conventional ranking metrics, leading to more suitable educational environments.
About Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc., a pioneer in global education services, is dedicated to assisting individuals and institutions in achieving their educational aspirations. Established in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan, the organization aims to expand access to learning for students from diverse backgrounds. Today, Kaplan serves approximately 1.2 million students and professionals across 27 countries. Its extensive portfolio provides tailored solutions for students, educational institutions, and corporate entities, enhancing their educational journeys and recruitment strategies. As a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), Kaplan continues to empower learners worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kaplan's survey reveal about college rankings?
The survey indicates that a growing number of college admissions officers believe that college rankings have lost their prestige over recent years.
Why are some colleges considering dropping out of rankings?
Many colleges feel that rankings do not fairly represent their value and may mislead students regarding their suitability.
What alternative factors should students consider when choosing a college?
Students should prioritize visiting campuses, connecting with faculty, and understanding financial aid packages rather than just relying on rankings.
How do college rankings affect admissions officers?
Rankings create stress and competition among institutions, impacting recruitment strategies and decisions made by admissions teams.
What is Kaplan's main mission?
Kaplan's mission is to help individuals of all backgrounds further their education and advance their careers through a variety of educational services.
About Investors Hangout
Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/
Disclaimer: The content of this article is solely for general informational purposes only; it does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice; the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. The author's interpretation of publicly available data shapes the opinions presented here; as a result, they should not be taken as advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities mentioned or any other investments. The author does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any material, providing it "as is." Information and market conditions may change; past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. If any of the material offered here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.
Related Articles
- MeridianLink's Secondary Common Stock Offering Details Unveiled
- Citi's Long-Term Forecast Reveals Potential Yen Strength
- Japan's Industrial Output Faces Challenges Amid Demand Fluctuations
- Intel Denies Arm's Bid for Product Division Amidst Market Challenges
- Cue Biopharma Sets $12 Million Public Offering to Fund Growth
- Peter Schiff Questions Bitcoin Versus Gold: Public Reaction
- Linglong Tire's European Factory Starts Mass Production Success
- Key Insights on Top Performing Stocks in Today's Market
- Kia Gwangmyeong EVO Plant: A New Era in EV Manufacturing
- RBI's Interest Rate Strategy: Insights for the Coming Months
Recent Articles
- Understanding the Recent Pre-Market Movements of Major Stocks
- Survey Reveals Renters Demand Enhanced Security Measures
- KAY Jewelers Unveils Fresh Brand Identity for New Generations
- Four Health Care Stocks to Watch Based on Momentum Trends
- Micropsi Industries Transitions to U.S. Headquarters for Growth
- Join Autoliv's Upcoming Q3 2024 Earnings Conference Call
- Cintas Corporation Prepares for Strong Q1 Earnings Report
- Upcoming Fall Business Update for Charles Schwab Corporation
- Mersive Technologies Unveils Mersive Smart App for Collaboration
- Gluco-Pro Protein Celebrates Global Award for Innovative Formula
- Gustavo Manriquez Steps into Leadership Role at Banco Supervielle
- Inspira Technologies Showcases Groundbreaking ART100 System
- Afore Insurance Services Secures New Financing for Growth
- Saratoga Investment Corp. Announces Q2 2025 Financial Results Call
- Unlocking Business Potential: OneTrust's Impact on ROI
- Guardforce AI Achieves Significant Milestones in 2024
- HavocAI's Innovative Fleet Investment to Transform Navy Warfare
- Pollo Campero Introduces Exciting New Sauce Flavors
- Thrive Frozen Nutrition Unveils Innovative Gelato for Wellness
- PromoRepublic Launches Localized Marketing Solutions in Australia
- Yayati Welcomes Industry Leader Jerry Chafkin as CIO
- HearUSA Dominates Hearing Care with Prestigious Recognition
- Stoner's Pizza Teams Up with Florida Panthers For Exciting Partnership
- Discovering Floral Excellence: Your Guide to Quality Harvests
- Transforming Fashion: Ex-Boyfriend Brand's New Women’s Line
- Smarsh and AWS Collaborate to Transform Financial Services
- Dell Technologies Re-enters S&P 500 Focusing on AI Growth
- Mersive Technologies Unveils Mersive Smart App for Enhanced Collaboration
- Constellation Energy's Power Deal with Microsoft Boosts Outlook
- Secure Your Private Equity Transactions with 6lock's Platform
- Seelos Therapeutics Advances PTSD Treatment for Military Personnel
- Bath Haus Unveils Innovative Filtered Tub Spout for Wellness
- Ventyx Biosciences Gains Anchor with Sanofi Investment Boost
- Heath MacArthur Joins Buxton as Chief Revenue Officer
- LightPath Technologies Boosts Defense Orders with New Infrared Optics
- GolfLync Emerges as Leading Social Golf Network Platform
- Anixa Biosciences Commences Phase 2 Study for Breast Cancer Vaccine
- Promoting Railroad Safety: Operation Clear Track Initiative
- HeartBeam Expands Leadership with AI Expert Dr. Lance Myers
- Exploring the Physical Security Market Growth to USD 156.72 Billion
- Deadline Looms for Vista Outdoor Merger Approval Decision
- Exploring the Rise of Wearable Injectors in Healthcare Market
- urban-gro's Renovation Project Enhances Student Center Experience
- Future Market Insights Predicts Major Growth in Spray Dried Foods
- Mexico's Inflation Decline Sets Stage for Rate Cut Confidence
- Bybit Introduces Islamic Account to Empower Muslim Traders Globally
- Innovative Solutions Emerge to Combat Opiate Misuse Crisis
- Chronic Kidney Disease Drugs Market Projection: USD 23.8 Billion
- Exploring the Striking Growth of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare
- Cannabix Technologies Enhanced Marijuana Testing Solutions Unveiled