Friday, Nov. 27, 2009

USC-Clemson: What is a ranking worth?

Clemson University has a top 25 ranking. The University of South Carolina ... does not.

Football fans of the two universities would recognize those realities, but in this case, the rankings have nothing to do with sports.

Clemson was ranked No. 22 this year by U.S. News and World Report magazine, which considers such factors as class size, selectivity, retention and graduation rates in determining which colleges and universities are the best in the country.

USC's ranking was No. 55.

Clemson has made improving its position in the rankings a priority, a push some have argued has actually harmed the university. USC has not made the rankings a priority, though officials there gladly point out the high rankings of its international business school.

- Wayne Washington

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