Vanderbilt U. Says ‘U.S. News’ Emphasis on Social Mobility Is ‘Deeply Misleading’

In U.S. News & World Report’s latest college rankings, Vanderbilt University dropped five spots, from No. 13 to No. 18. One might think that’s an insignificant dip in a list that contains 435 institutions. Nevertheless, the university’s leaders on Monday sent impassioned emails to faculty members and alumni, defending Vanderbilt’s prowess in teaching and research.