The pros and cons of university ranking - Essay Example

Ranking is aimed at evaluating the quality of education offered at institutions of higher learning often based on research produced by the institutions. This evaluation is relative; however, as quality will be perceived differently and as such, there cannot be fixed criteria (Almegren 14). Recently, there has been mounting attentiveness to ranking systems and great criticism of existing rankings. The problem with the existing rankings is that they do not include universities and higher learning institutions from various parts of the world.

This has become necessary, as governments of many countries have reiterated the significance of quality in research and higher education, and linking economic growth, innovation and research. Moreover, higher education and research institutions are competing for funding and the best students and researchers, at national and international levels (Almegren 14). Among the primary benefits of rankings, is that they allow students to make well-versed decisions. When a potential student is choosing which university to join, they will need to have specific information pertinent to their desires and wishes.

This will enable a choice that will suit their needs and preferences concerning both academics and extracurricular activities. The precedent is determined using outcome that is, performance of students after university, number of professors available to students where the number of research papers and articles published factors into their competence and facilities and amenities within a university. Besides that, rankings have been advocated for because they foster healthy, spirited competition among institutions of higher learning.

This is because of the simple fact that every institution will want to be ranked high as this builds a positive reputation (“QS World Universities Rankings”). Notably also, rankings are supported as they offer institutions of higher learning an opportunity to improve