Does Minnesota State University Moorhead's ranking matter?

I'm looking at Minnesota State University Moorhead as a potential choice. While it's not super highly ranked, it offers the major I want. Just want to know, does its ranking really matter in the grand scheme? Would love to know your opinions and experiences.

The ranking of a college can sometimes serve as a quick reference point, but it isn't necessarily the best measure of whether the college is a good fit for you personally or how it will serve your specific academic goals. It's great you've found Minnesota State University Moorhead and that it offers your desired major. That’s a big part.

Rankings play a bigger role in perceptions of prestige or reputation rather than actual quality of education. They're typically based on metrics like graduation rates, faculty resources, selectivity, financial resources, and alumni donations, many of which may not directly impact your academic and personal growth.

What actually matters are factors such as the strength and reputation of the department for your major, opportunities for hands-on experience (like internships or research), advising and career support, student life, and affordability. An example can be if a smaller, lower-ranked college has a renowned program in your chosen area of study, it can provide personalized attention and opportunities that you may not find in a higher-ranked, larger institution.

You’d want to reach out to current students or alumni to get first-hand accounts of their experiences. You can also look into the outcomes for graduates of the program you're interested in, such as job placement rates, graduate school acceptances, etc.

In the end, the important thing is not the school's overall ranking, but whether it's a good fit for you and can help you achieve your academic and career goals. So focus on what will give you the best education and experience in your chosen field.