The EdUp Experience What College Presidents Need to Know About Rankings, ROI & the Demographic Cliff - with Dr. LaMont Jones, Managing Editor for Education, U.S. News & World Report
Nov 4, 2025
Join Dr. LaMont Jones, Managing Editor for Education at U.S. News & World Report, as he dives into the evolving landscape of college rankings. Discover how families can leverage U.S. News' vast resources for better educational choices. Dr. Jones discusses the importance of outcomes-based metrics over traditional prestige, and how community colleges and alternative paths offer impressive ROI. He also explores the impact of AI on admissions and shares strategies for colleges facing the demographic cliff, all while maintaining a focus on transparency and mission clarity.
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U.S. News Is More Than Rankings
- U.S. News produces broad education content beyond rankings, covering K–higher ed with practical advice and tools.
- The team combines reporters, data analysts, and experts to deliver verifiable guidance to millions monthly.
Scale And Advice-First Journalism
- U.S. News reached over 8 billion impressions and 40 million monthly visitors, emphasizing advice-style education content.
- Their focus is practical answers families ask about paying, applying, and succeeding in college.
Small Data Differences Move Rankings
- Rankings use 17 indicators and tiny point differences can separate top schools.
- Methodology refinements over decades explain small rank shifts, not single causes like an alum.