Dive Summary:
- Penn State University moved up nine spots and Princeton remained on top in new annual rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
- This year's ranking used a new formula where graduation-related data was the most-heavily weighted factor while student selectivity was given a bit less weight.
- Big movers among large private universities included Boston University and Northeastern University, which each moved into the top 50.
Dive Insight:
A full run-down on the new methodology is posted here, with more about the changes to this year's system — including the declining importance of high school class standing and the increased importance of a college's graduation rate — explained in this post.