What factors make a college 'top' ranked?

I'm confused about what makes a college stand out as a 'top' institution. Is it just about academics, or do other things like campus life and alumni success also matter?

When ranking colleges, several key factors are taken into account. These can vary depending on the methodology of the ranking organization, but they generally include:

1. Academic Quality: This often constitutes the largest portion of a school's ranking. Metrics can include the quality and rigor of the curriculum, faculty qualifications, peer reputation, and the selectivity of the student body (which considers average standardized test scores, high school class standing, and student-faculty ratios). These indicate the intellectual environment at the institution.

2. Student Outcomes: The success of alumni is usually represented through graduation rates, job placement rates, and sometimes the average salaries of recent graduates. Some ranking systems might also look at honors or awards received by alumni, such as Fulbright Scholarships or Nobel Prizes.

3. Financial Resources: This criterion looks at the financial health of the institution, including its endowment, the extent and quality of its campus facilities, and its ability to secure research funding.

4. Student Satisfaction: This might take into account reviews from current students or alumni about the institution, encompassing elements like academic support, community, campus life, extracurricular opportunities, and housing. They may also consider retention rates, which demonstrate student satisfaction as represented by the number of students who continue to second year and beyond.

5. Financial Aid: The accessibility and affordability of the institution, including the average amount of financial aid given and the number of students receiving aid, can heavily influence rankings. An institution that makes education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation, can get a higher rank.

6. Diversity: This includes the composition of the student body and faculty, assessing cross-cultural interaction, and exposure to different perspectives, which is part of a rich educational experience.

Keep in mind that while these rankings offer a snapshot of an institution's strengths, a 'top' college might not be the best fit for every student. It's important to consider individual fit based on academic interests, campus culture, location, size, and financial considerations. Being happy at a university will ultimately have a bigger impact on your success than the school's position on a rankings list.