What Makes Some Colleges Overrated?

Hey champs, I was having a conversation with my cousin the other day and he was ranting about how certain colleges are hyped up more than they actually deserve. He might be onto something, but I'd love to get your takes on it. Could anyone break down what constitutes a college being 'overrated'? How do I sift through the hype to understand a college's actual value?

There are many factors that can cause a college or university to be considered 'overrated,' and these can vary based on one's individual perspective and what they value most in an education. Here are a few common reasons these perceptions may exist:

1. High Tuition: Some colleges are often considered overrated due to their high tuition costs, which may not align with the perceived value or quality of the degree obtained. If graduate outcomes, such as employment rates in one's field of choice and average salary, aren't deemed commensurate to the education's high price tag, a school may seem overrated.

2. Reputation vs Reality: Some universities have excellent marketing departments and names that are well-known, leading to a perception of prestige. However, the experience, from the educational quality to student life, might not match up to the image presented. To judge a school more accurately, you should look beyond basic rankings and read reviews from current students and alumni, or even connect with them to gain first-hand perspective.

3. Low Returns on Investment: A college might be considered overrated if the return on investment (ROI) is not on par with expectations. For some students, the primary goal of attending college is to gain the skills and credentials necessary for a successful career. If graduates struggle to secure jobs in their chosen field, or the salary-to-debt ratio is unfavorable, they might question the value of their degree.

4. Curriculum that Doesn't Fit Your Needs: Every student has unique needs and goals, and a college might be "overrated" if it doesn't meet those effectively. For example, if a school is known for a strong liberal arts program, but you're interested in engineering, you may find that college is overrated for your specific needs.

To sift through the hype, try researching beyond general rankings. Seek in-depth resources, such as department rankings, and study the outcomes of recent graduates. Prioritize what's important to you - be it classroom size, budget, location, or diversity. Understanding what you want can help determine whether a college's reputation aligns with what it can actually deliver for you.