What publications are considered in the U.S. News Best National University Rankings?

The publications considered in the U.S. News Best National Universities Rankings has consistent pattern as explained with example below :

Calculation for U.S. News Best National Universities Rankings 2026 (Ranking year = 2026)

1. Publications window considered is 5 years: 2020 - 2024

   Rule: For each ranking year, publications indexed in Scopus ® from (Ranking Year - 6) to (Ranking Year - 2) are considered.

2. Citations counted until: mid-2025

   Rule: Citations to these publications are counted until mid-(Ranking Year - 1).

3. Use data snapshot: 2020 to mid-2025

   Rule: Use data snapshot: (Ranking Year - 6) to mid-(Ranking Year - 1).

4. Document types considered:

   Articles, reviews, conference proceedings, books and book chapters

Some previous year examples: