Few members of the profession know enough about departments and programs other than those with which they are or have been associated to be able to rank more than a few of them in relation to each other with any warranted confidence of doing overall justice to them. It is hardly likely that those who agree to take part in national pollings have greater knowledge and wisdom. Even if they have the best of intentions, their impressions are likely often to be out of date, superficial, and influenced by their own philosophical orientations and other prejudicial considerations. It is utterly implausible to suppose that truth is likely to be arrived at and justice done to all concerned by adding many such impressions together. Rankings Yeah, so grow up.
Rankings are for fools.
But wait What we don't learn here is that besides a countdown, plenty of useful information is provided by those who conduct rankings. Ultimately, of course, judging the value of the ranking is your responsibility. You thought it would be a good choice given your interests. Check it out. At least now you have a rough idea of where to begin the process of sifting through your options.