Our Criteria

Does this university have BA programs, honors programs, or independent academic units focused on the study of Western Civilization or American civics? Are there exceptional programs or departments in the humanities?

Does this university have excellent professors, courses, and programs on Jewish thought and civilization and on Israel and the modern Middle East?

Does this university have world-class faculty in the humanities and social sciences?

How strong is Jewish life on campus—including religious community, rabbinic leadership, kosher infrastructure, and pro-Israel engagement?

What intellectually serious clubs, publications, and organizations exist outside of the formal curriculum?

How did university leadership and community respond to campus events following the October 7th attacks? To what degree are the leadership and faculty friendly to scholars and teachers with plainly extreme views on Israel and the Jews?

How is this university represented in the broader rankings environment?