Methodology

When it comes to evaluating the performance of colleges and universities, key indicators or key performance indicators (KPIs) play a crucial role. These metrics promoted by the Department of Education aim to provide insights into the effectiveness and quality of higher education institutions. However, it is essential to recognize that these indicators are strongly influenced by two important factors: college class and region.

Recognitions and rankings at Best-In-Class Colleges all start with putting institutions into basic classifications. The process of creating basic classifications for higher education institutions involves a thorough evaluation and analysis conducted by professionals in the field. These professionals, typically experts in education policy and research, follow a systematic approach to determine the appropriate classification for…

To establish a comprehensive recognition and ranking system, Best-In-Class Colleges follows a meticulous methodology that involves grouping colleges of the same class within specific regions. The process of creating college classifications is detailed in a separate article. Regions are determined by carefully considering various factors, including geographic location, historical and cultural similarities, and population distribution….

Once the colleges are appropriately grouped, we proceed to rank them based on a range of factors and metrics. To ensure accuracy and reliability, we rely on multiple data sources, including IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the Department of Education itself, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System).