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Academic Influence

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Academic Influence is a U.S. based organization that provides college rankings. It ranks colleges and universities based on measurable academic impact, rather than institutional prestige. The platform offers a data-driven approach to educational evaluation.[1][2]

History

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Academic Influence was established in 2020 by Jed Macosko, a Berkeley PhD and professor at Wake Forest University.[3][4] Dave Tomar (also known as Ed Dante) is serving as the managing editor at the platform with James Barham as the organization's senior vice president.[5]

Methodology

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Academic Influence uses a ranking system called the 'Influence Ranking engine' to evaluate colleges and universities.[6] The system includes key metrics such as "Concentrated Influence," which highlights the density of a university's academic impact, and the "Desirability Index," which assesses how desirable a school is by comparing which schools students choose when accepted into multiple universities.[7][8] In addition to rankings, it offers tools designed to assist students in selecting majors and evaluating financial aid options.[9][10]

Notable Rankings

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Academic Influence has introduced rankings in various areas, including:

  • Campus Safety: Purdue University's West Lafayette campus was ranked as the safest in America. This ranking was based on factors such as compliance with the Clery Act, security features, crime statistics, and mental health services.[11][12][13][14]
  • Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs): The platform ranked what it considered the top 30 HBCUs from 2000 to 2020, with institutions like Howard University and Spelman College being recognized for their influence.[15][16]
  • Technological Advancement: Academic Influence recognized institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon as among "America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges".[17]
  • Liberal Arts and Online Programs: Swarthmore College was ranked as the best liberal arts college in the U.S. due to the organization's "Concentrated Influence" metric.[18] The platform also ranked top online degree programs in fields like cybersecurity.[19][20][21]
  • Academic Stewardship: The platform introduced a ranking for academic stewardship, evaluating how colleges use their resources to achieve academic impact. Smaller institutions, including several HBCUs, ranked highly for their effective use of limited resources, with Fisk University leading the list.[22][23][24]

Limitations

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A noted limitation of Academic Influence's methodology is its reliance on machine learning, which can occasionally produce outlier outputs or anomalies. This necessitates careful monitoring of the platform's database to identify and address ML/AI incongruences.[25] Additionally, the methodology emphasizes academic impact, which may not always correspond directly with the demands of the job market. While the platform measures influence within academic circles, this does not necessarily translate to professional success or career outcomes for graduates.[26][27] However, there is supporting evidence that indicates the research activity of professors positively correlates with teaching effectiveness and mentorship opportunities.[28]

References

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  1. ^ "Academic Influence: Enhancing User Experience and Reshaping the Landscape for Smaller Colleges - Grit Daily News". 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  2. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "How A New Company Uses Machine Learning To Measure Academic Impact". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  3. ^ "An Alternative College Rankings System Offers a New Take on Influence". alum.mit.edu. 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  4. ^ Caylor, Bart (2023-01-05). "The Problem With University Rankings". Caylor Solutions. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  5. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "New Book Reveals Everything You Need To Know About Contract Cheating By College Students". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  6. ^ Torongo, Pauline (2024-07-19). "Unveiling Academic Influence: A New Paradigm for University Rankings". The South African. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  7. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "Academic Influence Ranks The Best Community Colleges, Nationally And By State". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  8. ^ Mulka, Angela (15 September 2021). "New list shows the most influential colleges in Michigan". Huron Daily Tribune.
  9. ^ "How Academic Influence Aids Indian Students in Navigating U.S. Higher Education". Outlook India. 2024-07-29. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  10. ^ "Academic Influence Spotlights Over 600 Black Scholars in 20 Disciplines". Black Enterprise. 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  11. ^ "Analytics organization names Purdue University safest college in America". News. 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  12. ^ Laytner, Bill. "These are top colleges for campus safety, says think tank". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  13. ^ Beckman, Jack (2024-01-26). "BC Ranked 12th Safest College in the US by 'Academic Influence'". The Heights. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  14. ^ "Indiana's Purdue University named safest college in America, according to researchers". NBC New York. 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  15. ^ "RANKED: The top 30 'most influential' HBCUs in the US". Fair Play Talks. 2021-07-12. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  16. ^ "ECSU Named One of Top Most Influential HBCUs". Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  17. ^ "New England College Racks Up the Rankings". New England College. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  18. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "New Ranking System: Swarthmore, Amherst Top The 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  19. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "Now Available: A New Ranking Of Online College Degree Programs". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  20. ^ Robison, Daniel (2022-05-17). "Academic Influence Ranks Daemen ABA in Top 20 Nationally, Among Other Honors". Daemen Voice. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  21. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "Academic Influence's New Consumer Guide To College Admissions Coaches". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  22. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. "Academic Stewardship: A New Ranking Of College And University Effectiveness". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  23. ^ Fisk University Strategic plan (PDF). Fisk University. 2023. p. 4.
  24. ^ Meador, Sharon (2022-04-01). "Hollins Ranked One of the Nation's Top Ten Schools for Academic Stewardship". Hollins University. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  25. ^ Redactie (2024-07-19). "Evaluating Academic Influence's Ranking Engine in the Crowded Field of College Assessments". Mashable Benelux (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  26. ^ "Are College Rankings Rigged?". Discovery Institute. 2022-02-12. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  27. ^ "Should You Choose a College Based on Well-Known Rankings?". Mind Matters. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  28. ^ "The Relationship Between Research and Teaching: A Meta-Analysis - John Hattie, H. W. Marsh, 1996". web.archive.org. 2021-08-11. doi:10.3102/00346543066004507. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
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