About Kivvit Higherrep
The U.S. News World Report rankings are a dominant force in higher education
- Depending on the academic vertical, 20% to 40% of an institution's U.S. News score is driven by what is, essentially, a popularity contest — a reputation survey completed annually by academic leaders and industry gatekeepers.
- The stakes are high. The ripple effect of U.S. News rankings goes beyond the headline: empirical studies have shown their impact on admissions, alumni development, talent retention, and perceptions about graduates.
- U.S. News rankings often favor incumbent elite universities, resulting in a cycle where lower-ranked institutions struggle to move...