The Impact of Higher Education Rankings on Student Access, Choice, and Opportunity

Abstract This article examines the impact of institutional and program‐area rankings on student access to, and choice in, U.S. higher education. It also discusses the impact of rankings on student opportunities after graduation in terms of placement success and earnings. The discussion is informed by the broader research literature in these areas, and includes comparisons to findings for other higher education systems. The author concludes with comments on the likely effects of the newest addition to the rankings scene – so‐called 'world' rankings – on access, choice, and opportunity outcomes globally.