Forget college prestige. What happens after graduation matters more

For years, college rankings have fueled debates around kitchen tables across America. Parents and students compare acceptance rates, school reputations and famous alumni while trying to figure out which colleges deserve a spot on the application list.

But if you've talked to a high school senior or their parents lately, you've probably noticed the conversation changing. The question isn't just, "Can my kid get in?" It's becoming, "What happens after they get out?"

That's one reason a new LinkedIn ranking is getting attention. Instead of focusing mainly on prestige or exclusivity, it looks at things families often care about most: long-term career success. And that's happening at a moment when more Americans are questioning what a college degree is worth.

Recent USA TODAY reporting by Daniel de Visé has explored concerns about rising costs and the increasing pressure on colleges to prove they're delivering real value.

Many rankings have rewarded colleges for being hard to get into, having large endowments or carrying a well-known name. Those things can matter. But they don't necessarily answer the questions families are writing six-figure checks to answer.

Rather than focusing on exclusivity, families should consider job placement, internship experience, recruiter demand, alumni networks and…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/