CQU, like all universities, will be taking notice of an attempt (The Australian newspaper, P1, August 12) to rank institutions based on data submitted to the Federal Government, whether or not there is agreement on the methodology.

That is according to Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard, responding to news that CQU had been ranked near the bottom of the list.

"We concede that some of our student experience data is of concern and we are already investigating the responses to find ways of improving this aspect," he said.

"However, it should be noted the CQU student experience data sets were based on low response rates of 34 per cent.

"Today's rankings are based on selective use of data. Other recently published data selection exercises on graduate outcome indicators have given CQU much better rankings.

"For example, Graduate Careers Australia gave us above average ratings for graduate starting salaries and getting a job, while the Good Universities Guide gave us a 5-star rating for positive graduate outcomes.

"The data about continuing studies is less relevant to CQU because of its high number of mature age students. For example, a student with family responsibilities may be less likely than a school leaver to continue studies after gaining an initial degree.

"In general, CQU has a distinct profile with high numbers of mature-age, external and international students, and high numbers coming from TAFE, which mean it is difficult to do an apples-apples comparison based on national data sets involving 38 institutions."