I think Jeff Selingo is trying to make his own distinctive list, pulling from his knowledge and experience. There will be overlap with other lists and categories from different sources.
There are a few head scratchers here, but there are always a few odd ones out on every list. Also, this list is in alphabetical order rather than being ranked. I think Selingo simply wants people to consider colleges that he believes have something to offer. Some of these names are more well known than others, naturally. He calls it “dream schools”, after all.
@tsbna44 Bing has been successfully recruiting more and more OOS students over the last seven years or so. It has been benefitting, especially in the last few years, from being well connected to NYC. It is becoming more known nationally, appearing more prominently on several lists. I think that’s why he has put it in the “breakout” category. (If anyone is interested, I regularly post updates in the Binghamton subforum where there are several linked lists.)