How does one gauge the 'impressiveness' of a college?

I stumble upon phrases like 'impressive college' all the time and it had me thinking, what exactly makes a college impressive? It's not just about rankings, right? I'm hoping someone could give me a clearer idea of how one might evaluate how impressive a college really is.

There's definitely more to an 'impressive college' than its position in the rankings, and it can be somewhat subjective since it depends on what a person values in an institution. Here are a few factors one might consider when evaluating the impressiveness of a college:

1. Academic Reputation and Rigor: One key aspect is how well-respected the school is academically. This includes the quality of the faculty, the rigor of the curriculum, and the intellectual achievements of the students and alumni. If a college consistently produces graduates who excel in their fields or make significant contributions to academia or society, this could certainly make it more impressive.

2. Admission Selectivity: How selective a college is, meaning what percentage of applicants get in, can also contribute to its impressiveness. Highly selective colleges generally have a lower acceptance rate, which can make them seem more prestigious.

3. Resources and Opportunities: Impressive colleges usually offer a plethora of resources and opportunities. This can include things like advanced research facilities, internship programs, study abroad options, vibrant extracurricular scenes, and engaged alumni networks.

4. Endowment: The financial endowment of a college can also be a factor. Schools with large endowments are often able to provide more scholarships and financial aid, attract top faculty, and fund state-of-the-art facilities and programs.

5. Graduation Rates and Post-graduation Success: A high graduation and job placement rate can certainly be impressive. If a large percentage of students graduate on time and secure successful employment or land in prestigious graduate programs, it speaks to the quality of the education and the support provided by the institution.

6. Special Programs or Departments: If a college has top-rated departments or unique special programs that are leaders in their field, this could also make it stand out. For example, a school with a world-renowned engineering program or a unique interdisciplinary program merging computer science and art could be considered impressive.

Keep in mind, what makes a college 'impressive' can vary person to person based on what they value most in a school. It's important to consider what factors matter most to you when evaluating how impressive a particular institution may be.