What Makes a University More Prestigious Than Another?
In the landscape of higher education, the perception of a university's prestige can often be a matter of debate. While rankings can provide a snapshot of an institution's standing, the factors that contribute to a university's prestige are multifaceted and often not solely based on academic performance. In this article, we explore various elements that contribute to a university's prestige, drawing from personal anecdotes and factual insights to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Money and Its Impact on Prestige
The role of financial resources in a university's prestige cannot be overstated. Professor Gross highlights the significant influence that money can have on a university's standing. One notable example is the very first US News college ranking released in 1983, which was based solely on reputation. At the time, my undergraduate public alma mater, UC Berkeley, was rated around number 11. However, as US News began to incorporate factors such as student and alumni satisfaction, private universities saw an increase in their rankings, while public universities like mine began to decline.
The substantial increase in philanthropic support can also result in a quicker rise in a university's ranking. For instance, a professional school I attended in a recent decade received eight-figure gifts, causing its ranking to climb by around 15 spots. A local private professional school also experienced a similar surge in its ranking after receiving a significant donation.
Academic Goals and Admission Standards
Universities often have specific goals and admission standards that define their mission. My undergraduate school was founded with the initial objective of educating the smart people of the state and eventually the globe. Over the years, it has maintained a rigorous admissions process, aiming to accept only the most qualified candidates based on standardized test scores and other metrics. Although this approach is not aimed at gaming the rankings, it can affect the overall ranking due to lower acceptance rates. For example, a school with a top 50 ranking and a top 10 engineering department might have an acceptance rate as high as 60 percent, reflecting the strong competition for spots.
Rankings vs. Practical Benefits
While rankings provide a useful benchmark for evaluating universities, they don't always reflect the actual educational experience or the long-term benefits of attending a particular school. My personal experience with former professors and their post-graduation accomplishments suggests that the absence of current faculty members can sometimes have a negative impact on a university's ranking.
Although many of my former professors have moved on, their contributions to their fields continued for decades, but their current absence does not help the university's rankings.
Ultimately, the prestige of a university is not just about its ranking, but also about the value it brings to the lives of its students and alumni. The story of a student who left after the death of his stepmom illustrates this point. He was a stellar academic, but due to the lack of support and accommodation, he did not return to complete his degree. Had he done so, he could have become a significant philanthropist and perhaps a prominent figure in his university. However, the university lost an opportunity for a successful and generous alum, highlighting the complex interplay between academic success and institutional prestige.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a university's prestige is a multifaceted concept that is influenced by a combination of financial resources, academic goals, and institutional practices. While rankings can provide a useful reference, they do not capture the full picture of an institution's value and impact. It is important for prospective students and their families to consider these factors carefully when evaluating different schools.