Higher education rankings are assessments that evaluate and compare universities and colleges based on various criteria. These criteria often include academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, and student satisfaction. Organizations like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education publish these rankings annually, helping students and parents make informed decisions about where to study. These rankings can influence institutional funding, student enrollment, and global reputation. However, they can also be controversial, as different ranking systems may prioritize different factors, leading to varying results. Understanding the methodology behind each ranking is essential for interpreting the data accurately.