Doane Tops Nebraska schools in Forbes' first ranking of America's Best Colleges
Doane College ranked 59th among 569 undergraduate institutions nationwide in Forbes.com's first ranking of America's Best Colleges, released Aug. 14.
Meant to "offer an alternative" to U.S.News &World Report's annual college guide, Forbes ranked the 569 institutions based on the quality of the education they provide and how much their students achieve. The rankings were completed in conjunction with an economist from Ohio University and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.
Institutions were not subdivided into categories such as liberal arts or national research institutions because, according to Forbes, "all undergraduate institutions are competing with one another for students."
At No. 59, Doane placed highest among Nebraska institutions - followed by Nebraska Wesleyan (78), Hastings College (226), Creighton University (441) and UNL (483).
Doane President Jonathan Brand said that while rankings in general often draw criticism, "the fact remains that prospective students care about them. It is very satisfying to see Doane rated so highly based on rankings that focus on outcomes--how much our students learn and achieve. That is what we are all about--making a difference in our students' lives."
According to Forbes' Web site, the rankings' methodology attempts to put itself in a student's shoes, examining such questions as: How good will my professors be? Will the school help me achieve notable career success? If I borrow to pay for college, how deeply will I go into debt? What are the chances of graduating in four years? Are students and faculty recognized nationally or even globally?
Twenty-five percent of the rankings were based on 7 million student evaluations of courses and instructors, as recorded on the Web site RateMy Professors.com. Another 25 percent depends on how many of the school's alumni are listed among Who's Who in America. The other half of the ranking is based equally on: the average amount of student debt at graduation by those who borrowed; the percentage of students graduating in four years and the number of students or faculty, adjusted for enrollment, who have won nationally competitive awards.
For more information or to see a complete list of rankings go to: http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/13/college-university-rankings-oped-college08-cx_rv_mn_0813intro.html