Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In an interview on WINA Morning News, Dr. Edwin T. Burton, chief economic analyst and professor of economics at the University of Virginia, shared his thoughts on the U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, where UVA ranked 4th among public institutions and tied for 24th overall. When asked about his reaction, Burton was candid: “I don’t think the ranking means a whole lot. They tend to use some criteria that don’t have much to do with a lot of things I think are important.” 

Burton also addressed the rising costs of higher education, criticizing the tuition at elite private universities. “I think those prices are, I guess, in a word, ridiculous. I really think you should be able to design first-rate higher education for perhaps 5 or 10% of that number.” He went on to advocate for educational reform, particularly in public schools, emphasizing the importance of competition and alternative learning methods, like those offered by the Khan Academy. 

Dr. Burton’s remarks shed light on larger issues in the American education system, calling for a balance between cost, quality, and accessibility. 

Listen to the full conversation here: