The Consus Group: Methodology for Ranking Colleges and Universities

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The Consus Group uses the following methodology to compile its annual college rankings:

• Published Rankings: Published Rankings reflect current and historical ratings by numerous sources, including: U.S. News, Gourman Report, etc. An institution’s aggregate published ranking comprises 50% of its overall score.
• Selectivity: Selectivity measures the quality of schools’ admitted candidates. Selectivity is based on the percent of applicants admitted, SAT scores, and the percent of admitted applicants in the top 10% of their high school classes. An institution’s composite selectivity comprises 45% of its overall score.
• Yield: Yield reflects the percentage of admitted candidates that matriculate to the admitting university. An institution’s yield comprises 5% of its overall score.

While many university rankings fluctuate wildly from year to year, TCG’s comprehensive methodology produces a stable, accurate picture of America’s best colleges and universities.