Methodology

How ScholarshipsAds Grades Universities

An independent, transparent, data-only assessment — never a guess.

The ScholarshipsAds Grade is our own independent editorial assessment — a summary opinion derived entirely from third-party published data. It is not an official rating and is not affiliated with, produced by, or endorsed by any university, ranking body or government agency.

What the grade is built from

Each grade is a weighted score (0–100) mapped to a letter (A+ to F). We only use figures that are publicly published. A dimension with no published data is simply left out; if too little data exists, the university is left Ungraded — we never estimate or invent numbers.

  • Reputation (45%) — QS World University Rankings score / rank band.
  • Graduation (20%) — completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard).
  • Selectivity (15%) — undergraduate admission rate (College Scorecard).
  • Earnings (12%) — median graduate earnings 10 years after entry (College Scorecard).
  • Value (8%) — graduate earnings relative to annual cost of attendance (College Scorecard).

Weights are re-normalised across whatever dimensions have data, so a university is only ever judged on real figures. Selectivity, graduation, earnings and cost come from the U.S. Department of Education and therefore apply to U.S. institutions; universities outside the U.S. are graded on QS reputation where available.

Data sources

  • QS World University Rankings (reputation).
  • U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard (admissions, completion, earnings, cost).

Grading scale

A+ (90–100), A (85–89), A- (80–84), B+ (75–79), B (70–74), B- (65–69), C+ (60–64), C (55–59), C- (50–54), D+ (45–49), D (40–44), F (below 40).

Limitations

Grades are indicative and reflect only the specific published metrics above — they are not a complete measure of an institution's quality, teaching, or fit for any individual. Published figures change over time; always verify current information directly with the university before making any decision.

Request a correction

If you believe a figure or grade is inaccurate or out of date, we will review it promptly. Please contact us at contact@scholarshipsads.com with the university name and the data in question.

ScholarshipsAds is an independent education directory and is not affiliated with any university, ranking organisation or government agency named on this site.