Of the 25 teams in the most recent BCS standings, Northwestern ranks second academically according to <i>Higher Ed Watch</i>.Of the 25 teams in the most recent BCS standings, Northwestern ranks second academically according to <i>Higher Ed Watch</i>.

Northwestern Second in <i>Higher Ed Watch</i> Academic BCS Ranking

Dec. 15, 2008

EVANSTON, Ill. -- In the second annual Academic Bowl Championship Series Rankings compiled by Higher Ed Watch, Northwestern ranks second out the 25 schools in the current BCS standings.

Northwestern has 110.5 points in the ratings, ranking behind Boston College (122) and in front of Penn State (107.5). The formula starts with the team's most recent federal graduation rate. Then, each team gains or loses points based on (A) the gap between the team's graduation rate and the overall school's graduation rate and (B) the gap between the team's black-white player graduation rate disparity and the overall school's disparity. Finally, the team gains or loses points if its Academic Progress Rate exceeds or falls below the Division I-A median. For more information on the formula, download this Get Acrobat Reader detailed explanation.