Why Rankings in K-12 and Higher Education Miss the Mark

Ryan Abramson, former Director of Admissions and Marketing in Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

From Middletown Township, to the Lehigh Valley; Bensalem to Bradford: It is Time Again to Look at Rankings

Every year, families across Middletown Township, Bucks County, and the broader Lehigh Valley await the release of the newest “best schools” lists from publishers like U.S. News & World Report and Niche. These rankings dominate headlines, drive social chatter, and often influence important decisions about where students apply or enroll.But after more than two decades in enrollment and marketing, including years as the former Director of Admissions and Marketing in an all-boys Catholic school in Bensalem, PA, I’ve learned a hard truth: it’s simply impossible to objectively rank schools.

Each institution’s purpose, mission, geography, and financial foundation make standardized comparisons meaningless.To put it simply, ranking schools is like ranking grocery store items—trying to decide if diet soda belongs in the same category as a pint of coffee ice cream. Both have their appeal, but comparing them as equals? It just doesn’t work.

A Long History of Flawed Methodologies

School rankings were never rooted in data-driven science. Early versions of the U.S. News & World Report rankings relied on mailed surveys to college presidents asking for the “top 10 colleges and universities.” This subjective popularity contest laid the foundation for today’s multi-million-dollar ranking industry.

As FairTest points out, these lists are arbitrary, reductionist, and lack meaningful scientific authority. Reducing unique institutions to numerical scores strips away context. A small Quaker college in Pennsylvania focused on service and leadership cannot be fairly compared to a Philadelphia research university pursuing global scientific breakthroughs.

In his book Breaking Ranks, former Reed College president Colin Diver argues that rankings encourage conformity, distort priorities, and reward schools for chasing metrics rather than mission-driven innovation. His perspective resonates deeply with my experience in Middletown Township and Bucks County, where families deserve authenticity, not marketing spin.

Columbia University and the Data Scandal

A vivid example of the systemic issues with rankings is the Columbia University scandal. In the Campus Files podcast, Season 1, Episode 9, Dissension in the Ranks, mathematics professor Michael Thaddeus exposed how Columbia allegedly submitted inaccurate data to climb the charts.

Eventually, Columbia admitted to inaccuracies and was removed from the rankings, a shocking development for an Ivy League powerhouse. If such a prestigious institution can manipulate data to secure higher placement, what does that say about the credibility of rankings in general?

The Rise of Niche and the K-12 Explosion

In the K-12 landscape, the explosion of Niche rankings has created even more confusion. Their methodology ensures that nearly every private, Catholic, or boys school—whether in Center Valley, the Lehigh Valley, or Bucks County—can claim to be the “best” at something. Best Catholic school in Philadelphia. Best boys school in the Lehigh Valley. Best private school in Bucks County.

But behind the marketing-friendly headlines is a flawed process. Niche relies heavily on self-reported school data, which can easily be manipulated. A school reporting one-on-one music lessons in its “class size average” artificially inflates its appeal without improving the student experience.

And let’s not forget the profit motive: schools can pay for premium placement and enhanced visibility, turning the platform into a pay-to-play marketplace.

Why Schools Still Chase Rankings

If rankings lack credibility, why do schools keep chasing them?

The answer is straightforward: marketing convenience. Saying you’re a “Top 10 Catholic School” is far easier than explaining nuanced curriculum strengths or unique community culture. It’s a quick slogan for brochures and websites that satisfies surface-level curiosity but fails to provide depth.

Publishers know this—and they monetize it. Millions of dollars flow into ranking ads and premium profiles each year. Schools buy into the system, feeding an endless cycle that prioritizes optics over authenticity.

What Pennsylvania Families Really Need

As a communications strategist and marketing expert, I guide families through this noise every day. The right questions aren’t “Which school is ranked highest?” but:

1. Which school aligns with your child’s strengths and passions?

2. Which mission resonates with your family values?

3. Which environment will best support your student’s well-being and success?

4. These conversations demand authenticity, not algorithms.

5. The Value of Podcasts and Storytelling

A positive development in recent years is the rise of independent journalism and storytelling. Podcasts like Campus Files break down complex topics with expert voices such as Diver and Thaddeus, helping families see beyond the numbers.

For those of us focused on authentic communication, podcasts, blogs, and social platforms offer opportunities to tell stories that truly resonate—whether you’re a marketing strategist in Bucks County or an education consultant in the Lehigh Valley.

Middletown Township, Center Valley, Everywhere: Why Objective Rankings Are Impossible

Ranking assumes comparability, but schools are not interchangeable:

Purpose: A small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania focuses on broad intellectual exploration. A Philadelphia research university pushes global innovation. A Catholic boys school in Middletown Township prioritizes faith and service.

Mission: Schools may emphasize leadership, equity, or tradition—none of which can be quantified fairly.

Location: An urban Philadelphia school faces different realities than a suburban Bucks County institution or a close-knitCenter Valley campus.

Financial Resources: Funding disparities are significant; endowments, tuition models, and donor support shape everything from facilities to faculty.

No single ranking captures these nuances.

Toward a Better Conversation

As I share with schools and families through Oakridge Leaders, authentic storytelling is the path forward. Highlighting your true values, your unique community, and the authentic experiences of students creates deeper connections than any number on a list.

When I speak at workshops my message is consistent: build your brand on substance, not hype.

Middletown Township's Ryan Abramson...In the End

Rankings sell headlines, but they do not reflect reality. By focusing on fit, mission, and authenticity, families and schools alike can make better decisions for the long term.

As I tell parents across Philadelphia, Bucks County, and the Lehigh Valley: choosing a school isn’t about chasing rankings—it’s about finding the right environment where your student can thrive. Just as you wouldn’t compare diet soda with coffee ice cream, you can’t evaluate unique schools with a one-size-fits-all metric.

The sooner we let go of this flawed mindset, the sooner we can celebrate schools for what they truly are: authentic, diverse communities shaping lives every single day.