The U.S News and World Report college rankings really are as corruptive as they’re made out to be, not only to high school students but in the way it has universities acting (yes – you can "game" the system to improve your ranking). Washington Monthly recently came out with their own college ranking guide, with different criteria. I haven’t read through it all, but I’m very supportive of alternate systems. You may be surprised at which schools are in the top 20!
Looks like TIME magazine is getting in on the act too.
I have a few friends at Yale and one at Columbia; all are happy if I remember correctly, though I suppose that can’t be said for everyone.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1225956,00.html