"U.S. News Releases 2024 College Rankings: Duke Rises, UChicago Falls"
U.S. News released its annual college rankings list, which continues to be both praised and criticized. Ivy League and highly selective institutions still dominate the top spots, despite some significant changes in the top-14 ranked schools. The rankings have been a target of criticism for incentivizing behavior that may not benefit students. Some top law and medical schools have left the rankings, but undergraduate colleges still largely participate. Columbia University, which previously dropped in the rankings due to flawed data, tied for the No. 12 spot this year. The University of Chicago fell six spots, while Duke University climbed three spots. The controversy surrounding the rankings centers around the idea that traditional factors reflect institutional and student wealth, rather than focusing on student success. Changes in methodology this year aim to address these concerns, with a greater emphasis on post-graduate success and economic diversity. However, colleges that provide economic mobility often do not receive the same recognition in high-profile rankings.