Are university rankings useful for comparing engineering programs?
University rankings can be a useful starting point for comparing engineering programs, but they should not be used alone to decide which program is better. Rankings use different indicators and coverage, and may not adequately show the fit of a program’s specialization, curriculum, laboratory and research environment, student support, costs, location, or post-graduation pathways. Compare these factors using official information related to your intended field.
Key points
- Check what indicators and coverage a ranking uses.
- Compare the curriculum, laboratory and research environment, and student support in your intended field.
- Consider how costs, location, and post-graduation pathways fit your own priorities.
Things to check
- Rankings, their indicators, and the programs they cover can change by ranking organization and academic year.
- Specific program and course details vary by university, faculty, and year, so check official information.