Book chapter
The impact of university rankings on student decision making and mobility
A Research Agenda for University Rankings, pp.66-82
Elgar Research Agendas, Edward Elgar Publishing
2026
DOI: 10.4337/9781035347582.00011
Abstract
University rankings have become a critical factor in shaping higher education choices, policy, and public discourse about educational quality. Despite criticisms of their validity, they influence students' decisions regarding applications and enrolment. Using commensuration and push-and-pull factors, this chapter examines the mechanisms through which university rankings impact students' educational decisions. Empirical research shows that better performance in rankings predicts more applicants, higher academic quality among applicants, and lower acceptance rates. Graduating from highly-ranked universities also facilitates employment opportunities, motivating students to pursue them. In addition, the link between rankings and enrolment varies by demographics, nationality, degree level, field of study, institutional context, media portrayal and ranking design. The chapter concludes with a call for future research on students' knowledge and use of rankings, examining cultural and national differences in ranking perceptions, and investigating how ranking developers expand their influence through the creation of national and regional rankings.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The impact of university rankings on student decision making and mobility
- Creators
- Shinji KatsumotoNicholas A. Bowman
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- A Research Agenda for University Rankings, pp.66-82
- Series
- Elgar Research Agendas
- DOI
- 10.4337/9781035347582.00011
- Publisher
- Edward Elgar Publishing; Cheltenham, UK
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2026
- Academic Unit
- Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9985174809702771
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