On Universtiy Ranking Systems In America, Britain, And China-a Comparative Study

In recent years, the topic of university rankings has begun to grip the attention ofinstitutional leaders, researchers, and policy makers. The number of meetings andseminars of university rankings confirms a wide interest and attention to thisphenomenon. The ranking systems are having a growing effect on global dialoguesabout higher education quality.In order to better understand the university ranking system, this thesis aims tostudy the universities rankings and compare the university ranking systems in threenations, namely U.S. News&World Report Ranking in America, Times HigherEducation World University Ranking in Britain, Academic Ranking of WorldUniversities from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. A close look at theinternational leading university ranking systems will provide valuable information aswell as data for building appropriate university ranking systems in China.With the introduction of the three main different university ranking systems,this thesis explores the similarities and the differences among them. It analyzes thereasons and factors that affect these ranking systems, then presents their operationmechanism and their impact. Finally, the implications on constructing universityranking systems in China are proposed.