UVM and UNH were killed in the methodology change. Both dropped from 87 and 96 respectively, to 125 and 121. Let’s dispel of the myth that UVM is a “public ivy” once and for all please. While both are very solid schools, we can see that the New England publics are challenged from a demographic standpoint. Simply too many schools in a compressed area, all fighting for the same kids. Thus, you see it start to consolidate around UCONN and UMASS.
Both UNH and UVM increased their enrollments such that they have to accept 70+% of students simply because the yield is so low. I remember back in the 80’s both schools accepted roughly 50%.
I’m not sure what the answer is but both schools were clearly caught flat footed by the new rankings.
With respect to Vermont, the state’s colleges in general seem to be encountering challenges, from staff buyouts at Middlebury, to weak state support for programs at UVM, to closings or impending closings of schools such as Green Mountain. Even amid regional challeges, though, Middlebury from this group has maintained its ultra-low acceptance rate (recently 17.4%).
Middlebury has a very high acceptance rate in ED which fills most of the class. That’s how they keep admissions rate low. While the bulk of applicants apply regular and I don’t think that’s sustainable