What the archived newsroom listed
The archived Branton University newsroom presented a series of headlines. They included a fourth-place position in an online MBA ranking from a ratings site, recognition of three faculty members with certificates of appreciation, a place among “most trustworthy” online universities on an education portal, a 67 percent rise in graduate enrolment in early 2014, a merit scholarship scheme, and a third-place ranking for Islamic banking programmes in the Middle East from another portal.
We report these only as what the newsroom said. We have not checked the underlying lists, the ranking methods or the enrolment figures, and we do not endorse them.
Why rankings from small portals need care
- Who runs the list? Some education portals are commercial directories that earn from listings or referrals.
- What is measured? A ranking based on “how students assess worthiness” is a perception survey, not an audit of quality.
- How many were assessed? A top-twenty placement from a short list of online providers carries little weight.
- Can you find the original? Press-release sites and citizen-journalism platforms publish material that organisations submit themselves.
Reading statistics in releases
Percentage growth without a base number means little: a 67 percent increase could describe a handful of students or thousands. Ask for the absolute figures, the period and the definition of “enrolled”.
Faculty recognition
Certificates of appreciation are internal awards. They may be sincere, but they say little about research output or teaching credentials. Check the staff member’s own publication and employment record.
A better test
Instead of relying on a newsroom, consult independent sources: government recognition lists, national student-satisfaction surveys, and graduates on professional networks. The accreditation page and pre-application checklist explain the process.