What makes a university the most prestigious in the US?

I'm curious about what criteria determine the prestige of a university in the US. Is it based on rankings, faculty, or something else? Do you think attending a prestigious school significantly influences future opportunities?

A university's prestige or reputation is influenced by many factors and is seen differently depending on who you're asking. However, some common determinants include:

1. Highly qualified faculty: Prestigious universities usually have leaders in their respective fields, contributing to research and insights that advance knowledge and innovation.

2. Rigorous academic programs: Prestigious institutions offer various programs known for their rigor and depth. This includes a wide range of majors, comprehensive course offerings, and specialized study or research opportunities.

3. Alumni outcomes: A university's reputation can be influenced by its alumni's accomplishments, such as their achievements in industry, academia, or public service.

4. Selectivity: Admissions rates are also often considered; the more selective a school is, the higher it might be regarded.

5. Rankings: While they should always be taken with a grain of salt due to variances in methodology, rankings published by reputable organizations are often used as indicators of university prestige.

6. Resources and facilities: Quality and abundance of resources, such as modern research facilities, libraries, labs, and more, are pivotal in adding to a university's prestige.

As for whether attending a prestigious school significantly influences future opportunities, it can, but it's not an automatic guarantee of success. Attending such schools might offer benefits such as robust alumni networks and name recognition, but it's critical to note that the individual's efforts, skills, and experiences gained often weigh more heavily. For instance, a student who was deeply involved in research, leadership, or internships at a less prestigious school might have better job prospects than a student who didn't take full advantage of many opportunities at a more prestigious school. Personal fit and affordability should always be factors when considering colleges.