Montclair State University has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal in their annual Best Colleges in the United States rankings, sitting at No.104 overall.
Among other top colleges across the nation, the ranking is determined by research and different components.
Kevin McAllister, rankings reporter at The Wall Street Journal, explained the breakdown of the rankings list.
“A college education is a huge investment, and the rankings are designed to reflect that,” McAllister said. “They’re a resource for students and families to understand what each college can offer them. The elements with the heaviest weightings within the ranking are focused on the extent to which each college improves the salary prospects of its graduates and how effective the colleges are at ensuring students graduate on time.”
McAllister also shared how the rankings are determined by how much effort is put in to each university and its students. Universities that serve their students can also allow prospective students to attend the school, current students to appreciate it, and alumni to have something to discuss with future employers.
“We put a huge emphasis on those student outcomes and put colleges on a more-level playing field to do so: We weren’t analyzing historical reputations or measuring the wealth of universities; instead, we looked at the results that colleges are actually delivering for their students and graduates,” McAllister said. “The rankings benefit prospective students, current students and graduates because they have that focus on outcomes and highlight the universities that are doing the most for their students.”
Kassie Rinker, a first-year graduate student studying Spanish, felt good about the news.
Kassie Rinker, a first year graduate student studying Spanish, sharing her thoughts on the recent Wall Street Journal report.
Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“I didn’t know [that] we were ranked, so it feels cool to have a place,” Rinker said. “Being close to a top 100 school, that’s pretty good.”
Rinker also believes that the ranking is validating to show future employers.
“I think being able to just pull it up and be like ‘Hey look, this is where I got my degree,’ [is beneficial],” Rinker said. “I think that is pretty validating to like future employers and stuff.”
A recent Montclair State press release states that the university is also No. 37 among the 204 public universities ranked, ahead of The University of Texas at Austin, Penn State and the University of Maryland. Montclair State is rated the No. 4 university in New Jersey, ahead of Rutgers University and Seton Hall University.
The press release also shares President Jonathan Koppell’s thoughts on the matter.
“The notion that an institution can not be both accessible and excellent is simply untrue, and Montclair State University is proving that,” Koppell said. “We are achieving life-changing outcomes for a highly diverse student body without compromising rigor or quality.”
Amber Henderson, a junior justice studies major with a concentration in justice systems, receives notice from others by attending Montclair State.
Amber Henderson, a junior justice studies major with Massada Crews, sharing her thoughts on the recent Wall Street Journal report.
Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“Usually when I tell people I go to Montclair State, they’re like ‘Oh my God, you’re so smart,'” Henderson said. “Montclair [State] really embodies that. I would say Montclair [State] is probably a good school academically to go to.”
Adam Flax, a senior music composition major, feels that the rankings are good for Montclair State.
Adam Flax, senior majoring in music composition, sharing his thoughts on the recent Wall Street Journal report.
Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“I think [the ranking is] definitely pretty cool to hear,” Flax said. “I feel like it’s good for [Montclair State] to get some recognition. I think it could bring a lot of good opportunities to [Montclair State] overall and to the students.”
Flax feels firm in his decision to attend Montclair State after hearing about the ranking.
“In terms of having some school spirit and pride, it feels good and makes me feel confident in my decision to attend this school.”
