Trends in the academic rankings of the Ibero-American countries: El Mundo (Spain), El Mercurio (Chile), Folha de São Paulo (Brazil), Reforma (Mexico) and El Universal (Mexico)

Abstract

This article addresses the evaluation of higher education through academic rankings. It analyzes the five rankings produced by newspapers of great circulation, existing in the Ibero-American space (50 Carreras - Los Mejores Centros Universitarios, from the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Ranking de Calidad de las Universidades Chilenas, of the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio; Ranking Universitário Folha – RUF, from the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo; Las Mejores Universidades do jornal mexicano Reforma, from the Mexican newspaper Reforma; and Mejores Universidades of the Mexican newspaper El Universal), presenting tendencies, similarities and specificities, existing in conceptual and methodological terms. A descriptive-analytical, comparative study was carried out through bibliographical and documentary research. All rankings spell out the mission of guiding the choice of future college students and rank universities and undergraduate courses. Methodological diversity is evidenced, with indicators with varied predominance (objectives, subjective or hybrid) and of several natures (focusing on products, inputs or hybrids).