<p>gchris~ USNEWS is a sad commentary on our culture which places so much emphasis on what we THINK is supposed to be good, because THEY say so! of all the ranking books/systems out there, this one is the most creative about all the statistical variables that are hogwash.(i’d use other terminology, but would get bleeped!) as has been said many times by now, remember the MAJOR variables accounting for the rankings are endowments and other “good 'ole boy” presidents’ votes. one hand washes the other, as far as the president’s votes go, and endowments (which are SUPPOSED to reflect money spent on students) often don’t go to them at all!</p>