Three reasons a US institution should engage with QS rankings

Written by the QS team
QS Senior Vice President Ben Sowter discussing rankings at QS EduData Summit

US institutions are in need of a point of differentiation. Over the past 5 years, growth in international student numbers has slowed, and competition from the UK, Australia and Canada is increasing.

In the US, universities face a challenging policy environment as they look to recruit international students. Creative thinking and new approaches are necessary if US universities are to survive and thrive. 

Being part of the QS World University Rankings is one way American institutions can improve their global reputation and recruit more students. As the most widely read university rankings in the world*, the QS World University Rankings provide a platform to showcase your excellence to a global audience of over 60 million prospective students. We also know that students interested in studying in the US use rankings to guide their decision making – 60% said rankings were a useful source of information when researching a university. 

Reasons to engage with the QS World University Rankings 

The QS World University Rankings suite is much larger than our flagship ranking. We have over a dozen different rankings measuring various aspects of higher education performance. Whichever ranking you’re eligible for, the benefits remain the same. 

Create points of differentiation 

While domestic rankings in the US are key for domestic enrolments, international students are using the QS World University Rankings suite as part of their decision-making. Engage with QS, put yourself on the global stage and make real in-roads in the international market. Move now and create points of differentiation from your competitors. 

Being ranked in the QS World University Rankings suite is a real achievement – we do not include all institutions. If you are ranked you will receive unique assets and credentials you can use to celebrate success in your international marketing campaigns. Align yourself with the most widely read university rankings in the world. 

We also publish a wide range of rankings analysing institutional sustainability, individual subject areas and business schools. By submitting data and becoming ranked, you increase your opportunities to shine.  

Gain comparative data 

If you are successfully ranked in the suite, you will gain insightful data on your institution’s performance. You can use this to assess your impact, identify weaknesses and strengths, and make strategic decisions to improve.  

Whether you’re looking to distinguish yourself from your peers or take inspiration from the best-in-class, QS ranking data can help guide your institutional goals. 

Accurately reflect your excellence 

Even if you do not currently engage with QS, we may still use publicly available data to rank and assess your institution. Submitting data is the best way to ensure you’re accurately presented on the global stage.


There is still time to submit your data for the next rankings cycle. Find out how:

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