Consider college rankings on basis of students’ goals

What happens when college rankings shift away from reputation and toward outcomes?

The recent 2025 College Rankings published by The Wall Street Journal did just that. Half of the colleges in the top 50 are newly seeded from last year. Convenient to Vermont, three of the top 20 are in Massachusetts: Babson College ranked 2, Harvard University at 7 and Bentley University — 11. Whereas, local schools Dartmouth College — 57, Middlebury College — 236 and University of Vermont — 352 all plummeted from last year.

The Wall Street Journal ranking has only three criteria: 70 percent student outcomes, 20 percent learning environment and 10 percent diversity of faculty and students. The analysis is entirely from government data and with research partners College Pulse and Statistica.

The 70-percent outcomes portion has greater emphasis on graduation rates and graduate salaries. This focuses on value-added of each college in how the curriculum and career support work together in contributing to student success.

These value-added elements emphasize career preparation, alumni connections and real-world experiences like internships and study abroad.

In addition, colleges with greater emphasis on STEM (or science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses in engineering and business have catapulted to the top of the rankings. These majors can help optimize earning potential, affecting the outcomes component.

In calculating student outcomes, the cost of attendance is factored against the salary performance. The equation starts with the average net price of attending college over four years. Then, divide the estimated net price for four years by the median salary of its graduates compared to a high school graduate in the state where the college is located. This cost estimate is then calculated by how quickly the graduate’s salary boost is attributed to the cost of attending that college.

Thus, more expensive private colleges that do not give generous merit scholarships or financial aid packages are at a cost disadvantage in attending that school. For example, New York University is ranked 273 and estimates its average cost to attend in 2024-25 is $93,184.

However, outcomes are calculated on salary averages, rather than specific college majors. For example, Forbes reported last year that Purdue University (ranked 102) computer science majors earn $124,000 compared to Yale University (ranked 4) English Literature majors earning $64,000, four years after graduation.

The Wall Street Journal data does not include selectivity or rejection rates. The rankings eliminate academic surveys about college reputations, do not include self-reported information from the colleges and do not reward colleges that spend a lot of money on instruction.

By eliminating reputation elements, the top 20 list features six public universities including University of California-Berkley, ranked 8, and Virginia Tech at 19. Typically, in-state residents pay lower tuition and represent most students at the college, minimizing the total cost to attend. These factors can also contribute to lower student debt.

The Wall Street Journal ranking also combines national universities and liberal arts colleges into one list. In this case, all schools are compared to one another. This is different than U.S. News and World Reports which has separate rankings specific to colleges and one focused on universities. For example, last year Princeton University and Williams College were each ranked first. Comparatively, with this year’s Wall Street Journal rankings, Princeton is No. 1 and Williams is 174.

If a high school student’s objective is to attend a college with a greater emphasis on outcomes, then The Wall Street Journal ranking is a good guide. In that case, it is important to have the academic background to meet admissions criteria. Taking rigorous full-year classes, AP subjects and dual-enrollment courses can prepare the student to hit the ground running.

To expand academic knowledge beyond the classroom, students can plan and apply for internships and technical jobs that are related to future professions. For example, Beta Technologies offers summer internships and limited co-op positions during the school year. Career opportunities are in aviation, technology and sustainability. There is a greater focus on critical thinking and analytical skills.

Various college rankings prioritize different key factors that are relevant to the college experience. There are trade-offs between emphasizing salary outcomes or highlighting selectivity and prestige.

Using data to create a personal college list is not a one-size-fits-all approach. With the increasing cost of college, it is essential to review the rankings with a critical eye toward achieving each student’s goal.

(Margo Bartsch founded College Essay Coach, a full-service college admission business, and has been an adjunct professor in business at Champlain College and at Middlebury College.)