Muhlenberg’s Institute of Public Opinion Earns Top National Ranking

The institute ranked in the top 4% of polling organizations nationwide based on quality and accuracy of work.

By: Kristine Yahna Todaro  Friday, June 21, 2024 05:08 PM

A smiling, male professor stands in front of a blackboard wearing a blue sports jacket.Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion Director Christopher Borick. Photo: Lisa Helfert

Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) has again been recognized as one of the leading polling organizations in the United States. In a comprehensive evaluation of 516 polling institutes, MCIPO received an A-, one of only 21 to receive either an A+,  A or A- ranking. This places it in the top 4% of polling organizations nationwide, ranking higher than institutes at Brown University, Franklin & Marshall College, Harvard University and the Pew Research Center.

These rankings, published by Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight, are based on a variety of factors including historical accuracy, methodology transparency, and the ability to consistently predict election outcomes.

MCIPO conducts research related to public opinion at the local, state and national levels. Since its founding in 2001, the MCIPO has focused its attention on measuring the public’s views on electoral and public policy issues with a concentration on environmental and health matters.

MCIPO founder and director Christopher Borick, professor of political science, has conducted more than 350 large-scale public opinion surveys and engaged more than 650 students in research over the past two decades. As a nationally recognized researcher, he is frequently interviewed by regional, national, and international media outlets.

About Muhlenberg College
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. With an enrollment of nearly 2,000 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; selected preprofessional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, approximately 90 miles west of New York City, Muhlenberg is a member of the Centennial Conference, competing in 23 varsity sports. Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.