Rankings Methodologies

Overview

College Factual’s rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of multiple data points from various sources. Our methodology focuses on outcomes and student success, using objective data rather than subjective surveys.

Data Sources

We gather data from multiple reliable sources:

• Federal Databases

  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)
  • College Scorecard
  • National Center for Education Statistics

• College Reports

  • Annual financial reports
  • Student outcome data
  • Program-specific statistics

• Industry Data

  • Employment statistics
  • Salary information
  • Career outcomes

Ranking Factors

Overall College Rankings

1. Graduation & Retention (30%)

   • 6-year graduation rate
   • Freshman retention rate
   • Transfer-out rate

2. Student Success (25%)

   • Post-graduation employment rate
   • Graduate school acceptance rate
   • Student loan default rate

3. Faculty Resources (20%)

   • Full-time faculty ratio
   • Faculty credentials
   • Student-faculty ratio

4. Financial Resources (15%)

   • Per-student spending
   • Financial aid availability
   • Cost relative to outcomes

5. Student Body (10%)

   • Academic profile
   • Geographic diversity
   • Socioeconomic diversity

Program Rankings

Program-specific rankings consider:

1. Program Outcomes (40%)

   • Graduation rate
   • Employment rate
   • Salary potential

2. Program Quality (30%)

   • Faculty credentials
   • Curriculum quality
   • Accreditation status

3. Program Resources (30%)

   • Facilities
   • Equipment
   • Research opportunities

Weighting System

Our weighting system is designed to:

• Prioritize objective, measurable outcomes
• Account for institutional differences
• Provide meaningful comparisons
• Enable customization based on student preferences

Customization Options

Students can customize rankings by:

• Geographic region
• Institution type
• Program focus
• Cost range
• Admission selectivity

Limitations

While our rankings are comprehensive, they have certain limitations:

• Data availability varies by institution
• Some factors may not be fully captured
• Rankings should be one of many decision factors
• Individual student needs may differ

Related Resources

• Our Ranking Philosophy
• College Rankings
• Program Rankings

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