The Rankings Challenge

ACE Blog post by Brian Bridges, Associate Director, Center for Racial & Ethnic Equity at the American Council on Education

The session on "The Rankings Challenge" at ACE Fellows Annual Meeting was an interesting back and forth between the forces who promote them (represented by Brian Kelly Editor, U.S. News and World Report) and those against (represented by Lloyd Thacker Executive Director, Education Conservancy).
The US News & World Report rankings have become more entrenched as a measure of quality in higher education--the general public relies on them more heavily each year--despite the controversy surrounding their accuracy and use. In the absence of a more universally accepted measure of quality how can students and parents make decisions about which school is best for them?
Another issue involves higher education's support and use of the rankings despite their loathing of the system. Schools often say they have to participate because the public demands this information. Given this, what event or trend might realistically make colleges and universities cease their participation in the rankings?