Sometimes, simple is better. Founded in 2003, the ARWU/Shanghai ranking focuses exclusively on the scientific performance of a university and is considered to be the most straight-forward and therefore the most trustworthy of the heavy-hitting rankings. The RUG rose in this reliable ranking to 75th place in 2015.
Founded in 2010 after breaking up with QS, THE-WUR’s ranking is the best for reputation. The RUG’s position sank 17 spots to 117 in 2014, and unless the university manages a come back in the 2015 rankings - which will be published on 30 September - Groningen can’t really call itself a top 100 school anymore.
Although U.S. News and World Report has published an American university ranking list since 1983, the Best Global Universities Ranking is a new player in the ranking game. It was launched in 2014, and the RUG’s position in this inaugural edition was 98. The 2015 results will be announced on 6 October.
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking keeps its criteria broad and makes no secret of its reliance on polling and emphasis on reputation. QS relaunched independent of THE in 2010, and the RUG is hanging on in 100th place in their 2015 list.