"Rank" is one of the variables many students and parents like to include in their list of things to consider when making decisions about college. Generically, "rank" is entirely in the eye of the beholder--or the eye of the agency doing the ranking--and an institution considered to be in the "Top 10" on one list may not make the grade on another. I encourage students and families who wish to consider "rank" in their decision making process to give this item less value because the ranking process is so fuzzy.

The following links take you to online indexes of top ranked U.S. colleges and universities.

Top 100 Values in Private Colleges (USA).
Kiplinger's current listing of the 100 best values for private higher education.

Top 100 values in Public Colleges (USA)
Kiplinger's current listing of the 100 best values for public higher education.

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.