<p>Northeastern has risen dramatically in the rankings in the past 10 years. One of the criteria in ranking is “peer assesment” which is weighted 20% I believe. This is a lagging indicator, It will take a while before those evaluating will be aware of Northeastern’s improved status. Likewise, schools like BU remain ranked higher because they have been highly rated for some time. </p>
<p>Another factor is NU’s 5 year coop plan. NU students take longer to graduate than students at traditional 4 year schools. Graduation rate is another factor in the USNews ranking. </p>
<p>Northeastern was always a great school even in in its commuter school days. Commuter schools are unfairly looked down upon by many academic elites. Even after the commuter days are long gone, the stigma remains. </p>
<p>Twenty years ago, Northeastern was a safety school for BU applicants. Now NU is more selective than BU. It will take a while for this to be generally known. </p>
<p>In any case, you should not put too much weight on rankings in making your decision. That said, I predict that Northeastern will rise in the rankings to the low 60’s in 2010 and that BU will inch downwards.</p>