answer:Research and publishing that comes out of the universities. Also, if they have very high standards for accepting students. Probably the success of the students after graduation might count for something also. And, if employers seek out students from a program in the university. So, I guess industries also help decide which schools are best, which schools are preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet job demands and requirements. I think there are third parties that evaluate particular programs as well. I think my business college is now 14th in the country for public universities, but I don’t know where my overall university stands, I don’t remember where I read that, and who decided we were 14. For me campus life matters too. Dorm living, associations, access to the arts, organizations, food, etc. But, not sure if they factor in to the rankings you speak of.