The institutional quality debate: U.S. News quality indicators and the National Survey of Student Engagement

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between two commonly accepted measures of institutional quality- USNWR ranking indicators and NSSE's benchmarks of effective educational practice. More specifically, this study will explore the proportion of total variation in NSSE benchmark scores that can be explained at the student and institution level, what proportion can be explained by USNWR indicators of institutional quality, and, lastly, how individual USNWR variables such as peer academic reputation, retention and graduation performance, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving relate to NSSE benchmarks.