(Photo by Andrew Daddio)
A new list released by Kiplinger this week ranks Colgate University 10th among the top 100 best values in liberal arts colleges, and 19th overall among all schools ranked for value.
Kiplinger’s rankings system is entirely data driven, and their report cites Colgate’s student performance for median earnings 10 years after graduation ($61,500), low student debt, a high average need-based aid award, and a 90-percent four-year graduation rate. Additional metrics include admission rates, average SAT and ACT scores of incoming first-year students, and the school’s retention rate.
“Neither our opinion nor anyone else’s affects the calculation,” Kiplinger’s website states.
News of the new Kiplinger ranking this week comes on the heels of two additional sources of Raider pride. A recent article by U.S. News and World Report listed Colgate as 10th among universities nationwide for four-year graduation rates, and a College Factual ranking on USAToday.com named Colgate as 8th for top colleges offering both rigorous academics and competitive Division I women’s soccer.
“Affordability and academic excellence are two essential attributes for students considering their college options,” said Gary Ross, Colgate vice president and dean of admission and financial aid. “By meeting 100 percent of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, and by having one of the best graduation rates in the country, Colgate embraces those values. This new ranking is further evidence of the significant opportunities students have when they pursue a Colgate education.”
While Colgate has always had a long-standing tradition of student success post graduation, the university is now committed to a 10-year career support system that begins upon enrollment and continues long after commencement. Ten unique professional networks, each strategically designed to create long-term bridges to career success, are also now actively working to connect alumni from similar industries with each other and to help current students with internship and career opportunities.
Visit Kiplinger on the web for their full best college value list and an explanation of how they compile their annual report.