How are University CS rankings determined?

I'm interested in studying CS but I'm really confused about the rankings. What metrics are used to determine a university's CS rankings? Does anyone know?

University rankings, especially for specific departments like Computer Science (CS), are determined using various factors, both quantitative and qualitative. Here are some of the key metrics that rankings often consider:

1. Faculty Quality: This covers the number of highly cited faculty members, the awards and recognitions they've garnered over the years, as well as the faculty-to-student ratio.

2. Research Output: This includes the quantity and quality of research papers published, funds allocated for research, and the number of times the institution's research is cited by others.

3. Graduate Prospects: This measure focuses on the employability of the institution's graduates. Data like the average starting salary and job placements after graduation are accounted for in this metric.

4. Inbound and Outbound Exchange Ratio: This measures the international outlook of the university's CS department. It usually includes the proportion of international students and faculty members, as well as international collaborations.

5. Reputation: This includes both academic and employer reputations. Surveys are usually sent to academics and employers to gather opinions on the programs of different institutions.

6. Student Satisfaction: This rating is based on student feedback regarding the quality of the facilities, teaching, and overall campus experience. While this isn't an exhaustive list of all the metrics, it should give you a starting point to understand how CS rankings are determined. Remember, though, that rankings might vary between different publications due to the difference in the weights allocated to each of these factors. Furthermore, remember that rankings shouldn't be the sole determinant of your decision to attend a specific university. Your personal goals, campus culture, location, and financial considerations, among other factors, should also play a significant role in your decision.