For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Washington, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in Washington
- 14 Nov, 2024: Publication of THE Global Employability University Ranking. Georgetown University with highest ranking among universities in Washington ranked #164.
- 11 Nov, 2024: Publication of GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking (Business Administration). American University with highest ranking among universities in Washington ranked #101.
- 09 Oct, 2024: Latest THE World University Rankings from THE Times Higher Education, UK. 4 universities from Washington appear in this ranking.
- 23 Sep, 2024: US News Best National Universities updated with Georgetown University ranked highest among 6 listed universities in Washington.
The capital of the United States, Washington D.C is known for being the home of the White House and Capitol, as well as numerous National Historic Landmarks, such as the Bonneville Dam Historic District, or Fort Worden.
The city offers no less than 13 higher education institutions to study at, and a number of them have been ranked very favorably by the university ranking organisations.
Rankings of universities in Washington, USA 2025
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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| Show 28 more rankings of Georgetown University and subject specific rankings for 10 subjects | |||
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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| Show 26 more rankings of George Washington University and subject specific rankings for 11 subjects | |||
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THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024] |
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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| Show 23 more rankings of American University and subject specific rankings for 4 subjects | |||
Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(based on 756 student ratings)
|
THE World University Rankings
[Published 09 October, 2024] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024] |
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| Show 12 more rankings of The Catholic University of America and subject specific rankings for 6 subjects | |||
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QS World University Rankings
[Published 04 June, 2024] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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US News: Best Global Universities
[Published 24 June, 2024] |
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| Show 13 more rankings of Howard University and subject specific rankings for 8 subjects | |||
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Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only)
[Published 04 September, 2024] |
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Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector
[Published 15 June, 2024] |
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Forbes: America's Top Colleges
[Published 27 August, 2024] |
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| Show 4 more rankings of Washington & Jefferson College and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects | |||
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US News Best National Universities
[Published 23 September, 2024] |
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Washington Monthly - National Universities
[Published 25 August, 2024] |
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MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022] |
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| Show 1 more rankings of Gallaudet University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects | |||
#8
Office of Admissions, University of the District of Columbia
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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Payscale College Salary Report (All Alumni)
[Published 04 September, 2024] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024] |
#9
Strayer University
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StuDocu World University Ranking - US & Canada
[Published 30 January, 2023] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024] |
#10
Trinity Washington University
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Payscale College Salary Report (All Alumni)
[Published 04 September, 2024] |
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024] |
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NICHE Best Value Colleges in America
[Published 20 September, 2024] |
#11
The Institute of World Politics
Student satisfaction:
4.3 / 5.0
(based on 102 student ratings)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024] |
#12
University of the Potomac
Student satisfaction:
4.2 / 5.0
(based on 120 student ratings)
|
Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 12 July, 2024] |
#13
Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception
Student satisfaction:
4.7 / 5.0
(based on 14 student ratings)
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Highest subject rankings of universities in Washington
Business
Payscale: Best Schools for Majors by Salary Potential
#2
Georgetown University
Law
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#9
Georgetown University
Linguistics
QS World University Rankings By Subject
#26
Georgetown University
Anthropology
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#32
George Washington University
Computer Science
Payscale: Best Schools for Majors by Salary Potential
#51
George Washington University
Education
US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#63
Howard University
Art
Payscale: Best Schools for Majors by Salary Potential
#68
George Washington University
Statistics
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#76
George Washington University
Engineering
US News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#88
George Washington University
Zoology
URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
#110
George Washington University
Student Opinions About Studying in Washington
“I’ve been living in D.C for more than six years and I’m still finding new gems that I didn’t know were there. It’s not cheap living here, but there are plenty of things you can do for free, like enjoying the outdoors. In Washington you quickly get used to the fact that you have to leave the house early if you want to arrive on time using a car.”
“The best things about living in D.C for me have been the fairly good employment statistics, and being able to enjoy plenty of museums that are constantly updating their exhibitions. Unfortunately it’s true what they say about the traffic, it’s really out of hand. I would advise anyone to try finding an apartment that’s close to what they’ll be doing every day, or they might end up very frustrated and fed up.”
“Personally I see Washington D.C as a place that’s great for living as a single person and making some money for a while, but as time passes you might find yourself wanting a bigger living space, and Washington’s prices are high.”
Washington Key Facts for International Students
PROS
-
Washington D.C offers an abundance of festivals, shopping and dining opportunities, natural spaces, and entertainment. There’s something to suit the tastes and hobbies of virtually every kind of person here.
-
If you’re willing to accept living in a fairly modest and basic apartment, a 3-bedroom apartment can be found in the $1,001-$1,500 range, but you have to look well to find them. The most typical and representative rent prices are from $1,501-$2,000.
-
There are a lot of international students in Washington D.C, which helps newcomers to feel that they are blending in more easily.
CONS
-
The city’s public transport system is known for not being as reliable as it should be, meaning that many prefer to depend on their car, and this in turn gives the city its terrible traffic congestion issues.
-
The job market is known for being fiercely competitive in Washington, since there is a large number of highly qualified young people looking for a position. When it comes to basic, part-time entry level employment, there tend to be more offerings.
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Residents describe Washington D.C as a place where people tend to sacrifice their personal lives in order to get ahead in their professional lives, which means people end up too busy to socialize. It’s recommended to keep an eye open for social events in your area, which can be done using Facebook groups, or checking out the bulletin board on your campus if you’re a student.
12 out of 13 Universities in Washington Ranked in at least one ranking
36 Different Rankings list Universities in Washington (20 institution and 16 subject rankings)
17 Global Rankings rank Universities in Washington Among TOP 200
Time: GMT +2
District/province: North West,
Living costs for students in Washington:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 107* (7% more expensive than London)
- All costs including accommodation 103* (3% more expensive than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 101* (1% more expensive than London)
- Average Big Mac price 97.14 ZAR
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in Washington
Useful related pages
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FAQ
Georgetown University ranks #1 in Washington in our meta ranking composed of 108 university rankings.
Among all universities in Washington George Washington University is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 48 rankings where George Washington University is listed.
Georgetown University is ranked best in Washington for Business (Business). See all rankings for the Georgetown University.
Georgetown University is ranked best in Washington for Law (Law). See all rankings for the Georgetown University.
Georgetown University is ranked best in Washington for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the Georgetown University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Social Studies & Humanities (Anthropology). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
Howard University is ranked best in Washington for Education (Education). See all rankings for the Howard University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Arts Visual & Performing (Art). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Mathematics (Statistics). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Engineering (Engineering). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Natural Sciences (Zoology). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Medicine & Health (Medicine). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
George Washington University is ranked best in Washington for Agriculture (Agriculture). See all rankings for the George Washington University.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 600
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
- Universities:
- 600
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 14087
- Published:
- 04 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 8000
- Published:
- 13 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 6635
- Published:
- 03 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 2096
- Published:
- 27 August, 2024
MONEY
- Universities:
- 48
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NICHE
- Universities:
- 300
- Published:
- 20 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 299
- Published:
- 20 September, 2024
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 4217
- Published:
- 01 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 14636
- Published:
- 15 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 3688
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 4158
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 5104
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
Teaching: 40%
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
Research: 40%
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
International Diversity: 10%
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
Financial Sustainability: 10%
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Universities:
- 3212
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Universities:
- 4083
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 14016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 757
- Published:
- 30 January, 2023
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 16324
- Published:
- 09 October, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 1236
- Published:
- 14 November, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 750
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:
Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%
- Universities:
- 548
- Published:
- 17 April, 2024
- Universities:
- 4744
- Published:
- 27 March, 2024
- Universities:
- 6078
- Published:
- 12 June, 2024
The Princeton Review
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 24 October, 2023
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 3689
- Published:
- 23 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 23 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 7278
- Published:
- 24 June, 2024
Wall Street Journal
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 10 September, 2024
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 2102
- Published:
- 25 August, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 72001
- Published:
- 12 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 600
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
- Universities:
- 600
- Published:
- 07 February, 2024
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 14087
- Published:
- 04 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40% Employer Reputation 10% Faculty/Student Ratio 20% Citations per faculty 20% International Faculty Ratio 5% International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30% Alumni outcomes 25% Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25% Employer/Student Connections 10% Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
CWUR Center for World University Rankings
- Universities:
- 8000
- Published:
- 13 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWUR Center for World University Rankings:
Research Performance: 40%
- Research Output: 10%
- High-Quality Publications: 10%
- Influence: 10%
- Citations: 10%
Quality of Education: 25%
Alumni Employment: 25%
Quality of Faculty: 10%
Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Universities:
- 6635
- Published:
- 03 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -CWTS Leiden Ranking:
Scientific Impact Number of Publications Collaboration Open Access Gender Diversity
Forbes
- Universities:
- 2096
- Published:
- 27 August, 2024
MONEY
- Universities:
- 48
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
NICHE
- Universities:
- 300
- Published:
- 20 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 299
- Published:
- 20 September, 2024
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 4217
- Published:
- 01 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 14636
- Published:
- 15 June, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Nature Index: Research Leaders Academic Sector:
Article count (AC) Fractional count (FC) Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 3688
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report (Bachelor's Only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 4158
- Published:
- 04 September, 2024
RUR Ranking Agency (Moscow, Russia)
- Universities:
- 5104
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR World University Rankings:
Teaching: 40%
- Ratio Faculty/Student: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Faculty/Doctoral Degrees Awarded: 8%
- Ratio Doctoral Degrees Awarded/Bachelor Degrees Awarded: 8%
- World Teaching Reputation: 8%
Research: 40%
- Citations per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- Doctoral Degrees per Accepted PhD: 8%
- Normalized Citation Impact: 8%
- Papers per Academic/Research Staff: 8%
- World Research Reputation: 8%
International Diversity: 10%
- International Faculty: 2%
- International Students: 2%
- International Co-Authored Papers: 2%
- Reputation Outside Geographical Region: 2%
- International Level: 2%
Financial Sustainability: 10%
- Institutional Income per Faculty: 2%
- Institutional Income per Student: 2%
- Papers per Research Income: 2%
- Research Income per Academic/Research Staff: 2%
- Research Income per Institutional Income: 2%
- Universities:
- 3212
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Academic Rankings:
Normalized citation impact (Citations of research publications from all university authors compared with world averages) 20% Citation per papers 20% Papers per academic and research staff 20% International research reputation 20% Share of research publications written in international co-authorship 20%
- Universities:
- 4083
- Published:
- 30 May, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -RUR Reputation Ranking:
Teaching Reputation 50% Research Reputation 50%
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 14016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
StuDocu
- Universities:
- 757
- Published:
- 30 January, 2023
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 16324
- Published:
- 09 October, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 1236
- Published:
- 14 November, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE Global Employability University Ranking:
Employability (survey) 100%
- Universities:
- 750
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World’s Most International Universities:
Proportion of international students 25% Proportion of international staff 25% Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25% University’s international reputation 25%
- Universities:
- 548
- Published:
- 17 April, 2024
- Universities:
- 4744
- Published:
- 27 March, 2024
- Universities:
- 6078
- Published:
- 12 June, 2024
The Princeton Review
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 24 October, 2023
Urap
- Universities:
- 12002
- Published:
- 19 December, 2023
Us News
- Universities:
- 3689
- Published:
- 23 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 23 September, 2024
- Universities:
- 7278
- Published:
- 24 June, 2024
Wall Street Journal
- Universities:
- 100
- Published:
- 10 September, 2024
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 2102
- Published:
- 25 August, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 72001
- Published:
- 12 July, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%