Methodology: Regional Classification

June 21, 2023July 6, 2023 Best-In-Class Colleges, Methodology

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. It’s worth noting that the assignment of states to regions may undergo slight variations or updates to ensure alignment with the regions utilized by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Best-In-Class Colleges regions encompass the following areas:

New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.

Mid East: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.

Great Lakes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.

Plains: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.

Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

Rocky Mountains: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming.

Far West: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington.

Best-In-Class Colleges also collects data on outlying areas. When indicated, reviews are created for outlying areas separately.

Outlying Areas: American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands.

By organizing colleges into these distinct regions, Best-In-Class Colleges ensures a comprehensive and balanced approach to its recognition and ranking system. This regional classification enables more meaningful comparisons and evaluations, taking into account the specific characteristics and educational landscape of each region.

Best-In-Class Colleges | Methodology

Methodology: College Classification

ByBest-In-Class Colleges June 22, 2023July 19, 2023

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…

Best-In-Class Colleges | Methodology

Methodology: Rankings

ByBest-In-Class Colleges June 20, 2023July 6, 2023

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).

Best-In-Class Colleges

Welcome to Best-In-Class Colleges

ByBest-In-Class Colleges June 23, 2023

Best-In-Class Colleges exclusively features top-performing institutions. Each college listed here, from the highest ranking to the lowest, is recognized as a leading performer in higher education. What sets Best-In-Class Colleges apart is its organization by region and tightly controlled categories of colleges, ensuring fair and accurate comparisons that highlight the superior qualities of these institutions….

Best-In-Class Colleges | Methodology

Understanding College Key Indicators: The Influence of College Class and Region

ByBest-In-Class Colleges June 23, 2023July 6, 2023

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.

Best-In-Class Colleges

Media

ByBest-In-Class Colleges June 1, 2023July 6, 2023

Institutions recognized in our lists and rankings are granted the privilege of using the prestigious Best-In-Class Colleges logo and seal to showcase their accomplishments.