Estudio global de los rankings universitarios

Abstract

University rankings or league tables are a common feature in most countries with large higher education systems. They were created to meet the need for more transparency and have comparative data on educational institutions. In this article, some classification and ranking systems of the world are analyzed in terms of their data collection method and their selection and weighting indicators. Additionally the German CHE (Centre for Higher Education Development), system –that does not comply with the normal university classification "rules”– is studied. Since the international ranking schemes are assuming a role to assure quality in the growing international student market, the global higher education community needs to start analyzing the way it can compile and supply information that will allow carrying out serious and reliable interinstitutional comparisons, and thus contribute to improve the quality of higher education.