What makes a university prestigious in America?

I'm trying to figure out how certain universities gain their prestigious reputations. Is it just about academics, or do other factors like alumni achievements and resources play a role too? How do these schools stack up against each other?

The prestige of a university in America is often established and maintained through a combination of several factors:

1. Academic Rigor and Excellence: The university's ability to offer a robust curriculum with challenging, in-depth coursework. Having top professors who are respected in their field contributes to this.

2. Research Opportunities and Facilities: Prestigious universities often boast cutting-edge research facilities and resources, giving students unique opportunities for involvement in significant research projects.

3. Selectivity: A lower acceptance rate often correlates with perceived prestige. Highly selective schools are chosen by students who have excelled academically, which often brings prestige to the institution.

4. Success of Alumni: Universities take pride in producing successful graduates, be it Nobel laureates, successful entrepreneurs, or highly-respected artists. The impact of alumni in their respective fields indirectly adds to an institution's prestige.

5. Rankings: Though controversial and subject to manipulation, university rankings produced by publications like U.S. News & World Report, WSJ/THE College Rankings, and others do factor into public perception of prestige.

6. Endowment: A large endowment can facilitate funding for prolific research, scholarships, and other campus improvements, which contributes to prestige.

Remember that prestige is often "in the eye of the beholder," and different people may place emphasis on different features of a school. Ultimately, the most important thing is to focus on what's the best fit for you, considering factors such as the academic program, location, culture, size, and cost.