A number of challenges to rankings by USN&WR have been reported over many years. One of the problems with that ranking is they rely on self-reporting by universities.

The Temple article is one more proof that rankings by USN&WR cannot be trusted.
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/201...okers.html
"Temple University blows the whistle on its own book-cookers"

22.5% of USN&WR rank is based on peer review. This allows non-objective data. That should be enough for anyone to disregard USN&WR. The fact that one non-AAU school claims peer relationships with 28 AAU schools should discredit the USN&WR ranking entirely.

Fans of many universities tout rankings by USN&WR as showing their schools have high standing. This is particularly true of private schools which limit public reporting. Many achieve high rankings by limiting education. No, you can't study that subject here. No, you can't be involved in research here. That is achieving high rankings by not providing education.

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/ar...gs/279103/
Your Annual Reminder to Ignore the U.S. News & World Report College Rankings

By the way, Temple is handling this very well.