Research Graduate Schools

Rankings: Be Skeptical

As you research graduate schools, you may become concerned with finding the "best" program in your field. While national rankings of graduate programs do exist, there is no single, reliable ranking of graduate schools.

That said, rankings can provide you with valuable data, depending on the criteria used. If you look at rankings, consider the following points:

• Organizations that rank schools may have hidden bias, commercial interests, or questionable methodologies
• Rankings may not be using criteria that are important to you
• Rankings may not be using criteria that are related to program quality at all
• If someone says to you "X School is ranked 5th in the nation in X Subject" ask "according to whom and by what criteria?" There is no ultimate ranking, and many ranking publications are scorned by graduate schools and the Higher Education community.

Finding Rankings

Rankings are published by numerous organizations, and though they shouldn't be the only thing you consider when selecting a graduate program, rankings may provide you with valuable data about the programs that interest you.

• Graduate & Research Program List of Rankings -- this page is maintained by the Social Science Library at the University of Illinois. For each ranking the list provides a brief description of the methodology used and information about the organization.
• National Research Council Rankings -- In 2011 NRC has published a "data-based assessment" of over 5,000 programs from 212 U.S. universities. Choose one of the "Free Download" options to access data.  While this data is very useful and more academic than some of the others - it is also dated.  Remember the info is 5 years old.

Creating Your Own Criteria

While published rankings give you an overview of programs based on someone else's criteria, you really should rank programs based on your own criteria. When choosing programs, consider things like:

• Admission - What are the admission requirements? What types of students does the program attract?
• Programs - What specializations are available? Does the program focus on theory and research or the practical application of knowledge and skills? What are the research facilities like?
• Geographic Location - Small town or big city? What's the cost of living? What sort of housing is available?
• Size - How large is the program? How large is the university?
• Faculty - Who are they and what do they research?
• Culture - Is it fundamentally collaborative or does it favor the independent scholar?
• State Regulations - Some state institutions are required to give preference to residents. Tuition may be cheaper for you at a university in your home state.
• Educational Philosophy - What is the average time to degree?  How does the program approach the subject?
• Residence Requirements - How much coursework is required? Is it a state institution that determines tuition based on residency?
• Placement Services - Does the program or school provide assistance finding a job upon completion?
• Cost & Financial Aid - How much aid is provided? Are there work opportunities that could provide you with added income? What's the cost of living in the area?  What other institutions or organizations are in the area that might provide internships or work experience?