Ranking Methodology
Launchpad Rankings utilize a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation method centered on student success and educational quality. Launchpad Rankings are updated continuously as new information about the colleges and universities becomes available.
Economic Mobility (25%)
Evaluates how effectively colleges support economic advancement, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds, based on Pell Grant percentages, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings.
Faculty Teaching Focus (25%)
Assesses the proportion of undergraduate courses taught by dedicated, full-time faculty members, emphasizing professors who are deeply invested in student development.
Experiential Education (20%)
Measures availability and quality of internships, co-ops, and hands-on learning opportunities, ensuring real-world preparation.
Class Sizes (20%)
Rates colleges based on typical class sizes, recognizing that smaller classes allow personalized attention and improved learning outcomes.
Retention Rate (10%)
Reflects student satisfaction and institutional support by evaluating the percentage of first-year students who continue to their second year.
Cluster Rankings
The inaugural Launchpad Rankings evaluated 780 notable colleges and universities from among America’s 6,000 higher education institutions. We have grouped them into Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention categories, ranking them in clusters. These clusters simplify comparisons and consider other factors such as preferred location, family association, and size.
Diamond
Exceptional institutions consistently leading in multiple criteria.
Platinum
Elite education leaders with high standards across all areas.
Gold
Strong, well-rounded institutions with exceptional programs.
Silver
Schools excelling in specific strengths and focused programs.
Bronze
Reliable choices offering solid education and one or two standout programs
Honorable Mention
Promising institutions with unique or emerging strengths.
Data Sources
Launchpad Rankings rely on verified data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) and the College Scorecard, both managed by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring reliability, objectivity, and transparency. Additional data from colleges’ Common Data Sets and from course catalogs and degree requirements are also used.