<p>One thing is that this provides an international perspective. US news is fine if you plan to work in the state, in the area around where you graduate, but overseas different unis have a higher profile. This shows you how say, unis would be seen in china, or any other country. Case Western really wouldn't be known overseas, but UCLA, Michigan would. Although you may know quite rightly this wouldn't be the case in the states, but internationally people would know the larger research schools which would raise eyebrows, rather than know what say amherst is =P As great as say brown is I know in the states, it just doesn't have the same recognition or appeal for someone seeking employment overseas.</p>