<p>Rankings have a place; applying them blindly does not.</p>
<p>As mentioned, the methodology for these rankings are based on nobel prizes, fields metals, and papers produced. I get the impression that such a rating would only be loosely tied to quality of undergraduate education.</p>
<p>As far as Forbes, the question is…what are they rating? Reading over their methodology, I actually think it makes sense, but it’s not giving quality of education. This is what really caught my eye:
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<p>These ratings seem to be more related to value than education. West Point, with no monetary cost, essentially got that 20% for free. Brown Financial Aid is alright, but all things being equal, schools with lower costs will incur less debt.</p>
<p>As far as each of their methodologies go, Brown is perfectly placed. It’s just when these get called “Best colleges” lists that we have to stand back and say “what does ‘best’ mean?”</p>