University rankings offer valuable insights into global academic institutions. Rankings measure the quality of faculty, education, and research opportunities available at a university. It directly reflects the perceived quality of a university’s teaching. Aspects such as employer reputation, indicate how well employers regard graduates, and the student-to-faculty ratio, measures the level of individual attention students receive. The impact of research assesses the influence of a university’s research output. Needless to say, higher-ranked universities often offer a stronger academic community, more resources, and better facilities.
On 25th June 2024, U.S. News and World Report released their much-awaited 2024-2025 Best Global University Rankings.
Methodology
The U.S. News and World Report Best Global University Rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that evaluated more than 2,250 colleges and universities across thirteen key metrics which include:
| RANKING INDICATOR | WEIGHT |
| Global research reputation | 12.50% |
| Regional research reputation | 12.50% |
| Publications | 10% |
| Books | 2.50% |
| Conferences | 2.50% |
| Normalized citation impact | 10% |
| Total citations | 7.50% |
| Number of publications that are among the 10% most cited | 12.50% |
| Percentage of total publications that are among the 10% most cited | 10% |
| International collaboration – relative to the country | 5% |
| International collaboration | 5% |
| Number of highly cited papers that are among the top 1% most cited in their respective field | 5% |
| Percentage of total publications that are among the top 1% of most highly cited papers | 5% |
How U.S. News Calculated the Best Global Universities Rankings (usnews.com)
Countries in Focus
This year’s edition includes universities from more than 100 countries. The number of universities surveyed this year was 2,250 top institutions, up from 2,000 in the last ranking, from 104 countries, up from 95. Universities in each country are ranked based on their global position. These rankings are determined by the universities’ global performance and higher global rank indicates it to be in a better position within the country. LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News said, “In their tenth year, the rankings have expanded to include more schools and more subjects while ensuring a focus on scholarly reputation and on institutions that prioritize cutting-edge research.”
The following countries have the most schools in the overall rankings:
- China: 396
- United States: 283
- Japan: 112
- India: 109
- United Kingdom: 96
The top three Canadian universities and their respective global and national ranks are listed.
- The University of Toronto is the highest-ranked Canadian university globally, positioned at No. 17.
- The University of British Columbia is the second-highest in Canada, ranked No. 39 globally.
- McGill University is third in Canada, ranked No. 56 globally.
Overall Best Global Universities – Top 10
1. Harvard University (U.S.)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.)
3. Stanford University (U.S.)
4. University of Oxford (U.K.)
5. University of California Berkeley (U.S.)
6. University of Cambridge (U.K.)
7. University College London (U.K.; tie)
7. University of Washington (U.S.; tie)
9. Columbia University (U.S.)
10. California Institute of Technology (U.S.)
Notably, US Colleges retain the top position. Half of the top 50 schools in the ranking are located in the U.S., totaling 24 of the top 50 on the rankings list. Harvard continues to set the standard in higher education thus becoming the most sought-after school for students.
The drop in rankings for Brown University -an Ivy League college, highlights the dynamic and competitive nature of global university rankings. Multiple factors, including increased competition, changes in ranking methodologies, and variations in performance metrics, could contribute to such shifts. Despite its excellence, the university may need to adapt to evolving standards and enhance its strategies in research, funding, and international collaboration to reclaim its positions in the top 50.
Importance of ranking
The quantitative data provided by the research plays a significant role in influencing students’ decisions regarding their college application. While the merits of the rankings cannot be denied, the complete lack of any qualitative analysis acts as a deterrent to students from understanding the real essence of what it would be like to study in a particular university. By considering a wide range of factors, including academic offerings, campus life, financial aspects, and personal preferences, students can make a more informed and personalized decision that best suits their individual needs and goals. Understanding College Rankings | Ivy Central
To see the complete ranking: 2024-2025 Best Universities in the World – US News
