Academic Influence


Academic Influence is a U.S. based organization that provides college rankings. It ranks colleges and universities based on measurable academic impact, rather than institutional prestige. The platform offers a data-driven approach to educational evaluation.

History

Academic Influence was established in 2020 by Jed Macosko, a Berkeley PhD and professor at Wake Forest University.

Methodology

Academic Influence uses a ranking system called the 'Influence Ranking engine' to evaluate colleges and universities. The system includes key metrics such as "Concentrated Influence," which highlights the density of a university's academic impact, and the "Desirability Index," which assesses how desirable a school is by comparing which schools students choose when accepted into multiple universities. In addition to rankings, it offers tools designed to assist students in selecting majors and evaluating financial aid options.

Notable Rankings

Academic Influence has introduced rankings in various areas, including:
A noted limitation of Academic Influence's methodology is its reliance on machine learning, which can occasionally produce outlier outputs or anomalies. This necessitates careful monitoring of the platform's database to identify and address ML/AI incongruences. Additionally, the methodology emphasizes academic impact, which may not always correspond directly with the demands of the job market. While the platform measures influence within academic circles, this does not necessarily translate to professional success or career outcomes for graduates. However, there is supporting evidence that indicates the research activity of professors positively correlates with teaching effectiveness and mentorship opportunities.