For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Columbia, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in Columbia
- 06 Mar, 2024: Publication of Scimago Institutions Rankings. University of Missouri with highest ranking among universities in Columbia ranked #431.
- 19 Dec, 2023: Publication of URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance. University of Missouri with highest ranking among universities in Columbia ranked #398.
- 15 Dec, 2023: New edition of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). 2 universities in Columbia ranked.
- 05 Dec, 2023: QS World University Rankings: Sustainability updated with University of South Carolina ranked highest among 2 listed universities in Columbia.
Columbia is a city in the state of South Carolina, famous for its brutally hot summers and diehard football fans. It offers more than that though; it offers the chance to live in a quiet setting where the neighbours get to know each other quickly.
Economically, it affords many people the chance to save money on rent and spend it on the things they really want, which improves the quality of life of those who live here.
Rankings of universities in Columbia, USA 2024
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023] |
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023] |
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| Show 25 more rankings of University of Missouri and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects | |||
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 27 September, 2023] |
||
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
||
|
QS World University Rankings
[Published 27 June, 2023] |
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| Show 25 more rankings of University of South Carolina and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects | |||
#3
Columbia College, Columbia College - Missouri
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(based on 18 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
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#4
Stephens College
Student satisfaction:
4.6 / 5.0
(based on 142 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
#5
Lindsey Wilson College
Student satisfaction:
5.0 / 5.0
(based on 90 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
#6
South University, Columbia South Carolina Campus
|
Washington Monthly - National Universities
[Published 28 August, 2022] |
#7
Allen University
Student satisfaction:
3.7 / 5.0
(based on 37 student ratings)
|
US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
[Published 27 October, 2023] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022] |
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| Show 3 more rankings of Columbia College, Columbia College - South Carolina and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects | |||
#9
Benedict College
Student satisfaction:
4.5 / 5.0
(based on 368 student ratings)
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
|
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
|
#10
Columbia International University
|
Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
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Highest subject rankings of universities in Columbia
Journalism
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#22
University of Missouri
Business
MONEY Best Colleges for Business Majors
#27
University of South Carolina
Education
US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#32
University of Missouri
Law
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#37
University of South Carolina
Mechanical Engineering
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#42
University of South Carolina
Psychology
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#51
University of Missouri
Mathematics
NTU Rankings by Subject
#57
University of South Carolina
Computer Science
NTU Rankings by Subject
#133
University of South Carolina
Chemistry
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#151
University of Missouri
Agriculture
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#245
University of Missouri
Student Opinions About Studying in Columbia
“I’ve been living in Columbia for a few years now and I think it’s great. It’s got plenty of parks, the streets are never noisy, and the houses tend to be bungalows. There’s been more and more commercial development recently, and it’s expected to continue.”
“Renting an apartment around the Main Street vicinity is what a lot of students do who are enrolled at the University of Columbia. You pay a little bit more to live there, but it’s less than 15 minutes away on foot so it’s worth it for most people.”
“All the best restaurants and bars are Downtown, in Devine Street, and Five Points. When it comes to culture and art, you can find it if you know what you’re looking for. I’d recommend checking out the Township Auditorium, and the Trustus Theatre.”
Columbia Key Facts for International Students
PROS
-
There are a lot of job opportunities in nonprofit businesses in Columbia, and they are the kinds of organizations where it tends to be easier to get your first job, which could be useful for students looking for part-time work.
-
Columbia offers a good variety of higher education options, with the tuition fees for many universities being around $20,000, and less in some cases.
-
Average rental prices for apartments here are well below the national average, at around $925 for a 2-bedroom apartment. Keeping in mind that even more affordable apartments can be found, and that the cost can be divided by sharing with a roommate, the end price becomes very manageable.
CONS
-
Many residents of Columbia agree that the city could benefit from having more options for activities, such as festivals, and art and culture events in general.
-
Columbia has a tendency to be afflicted with challenging traffic jams, and it gets even worse during football season.
-
South Carolina gets intensely hot during the summer season, often above 30 degrees. In combination with the humidity that sometimes reaches 98%, and very active mosquitos, this can definitely put a lot of people off living here.
10 out of 10 Universities in Columbia Ranked in at least one ranking
29 Different Rankings list Universities in Columbia (20 institution and 9 subject rankings)
11 Global Rankings rank Universities in Columbia Among TOP 200
Time: GMT +0
Living costs for students in Columbia:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 81* (19% cheaper than London)
- All costs including accommodation 63* (37% cheaper than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 81* (19% cheaper than London)
- Average Big Mac price 0.00
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Nobel prize laureates:
- George P. Smith (, 2018)
Map with location of universities in Columbia
Useful related pages
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Best rated student accommodation in Columbia
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FAQ
University of Missouri ranks #1 in Columbia in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.
Among all universities in Columbia University of South Carolina is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 37 rankings where University of South Carolina is listed.
University of Missouri is ranked best in Columbia for Journalism & Media Studies (Journalism). See all rankings for the University of Missouri.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Business (Business). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
University of Missouri is ranked best in Columbia for Education (Education). See all rankings for the University of Missouri.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Law (Law). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
University of Missouri is ranked best in Columbia for Social Studies & Humanities (Psychology). See all rankings for the University of Missouri.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
University of Missouri is ranked best in Columbia for Natural Sciences (Chemistry). See all rankings for the University of Missouri.
University of Missouri is ranked best in Columbia for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the University of Missouri.
University of South Carolina is ranked best in Columbia for Medicine & Health (Medicine). See all rankings for the University of South Carolina.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 6000
- Published:
- 25 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 3718
- Published:
- 22 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 1098
- Published:
- 30 August, 2022
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 3939
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
Teaching: 40%
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
Research: 40%
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
International Diversity: 10%
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
Financial Sustainability: 10%
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Universities:
- 2046
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Universities:
- 2917
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 556
- Published:
- 06 September, 2021
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 14232
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 3144
- Published:
- 11 May, 2022
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 627
- Published:
- 27 October, 2023
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
- Universities:
- 5248
- Published:
- 24 October, 2022
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 6000
- Published:
- 25 April, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 3718
- Published:
- 22 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 1098
- Published:
- 30 August, 2022
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 3939
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
Teaching: 40%
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
Research: 40%
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
International Diversity: 10%
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
Financial Sustainability: 10%
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Universities:
- 2046
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Universities:
- 2917
- Published:
- 25 May, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 556
- Published:
- 06 September, 2021
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 14232
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 3144
- Published:
- 11 May, 2022
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 627
- Published:
- 27 October, 2023
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
- Universities:
- 5248
- Published:
- 24 October, 2022
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%