Gustavus Adolphus College has once again been recognized by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance for combining outstanding academics with affordable cost. The publication named Gustavus the 16th best college value in the Midwest and the 42nd best value among liberal arts colleges in the country, when it released its annual rankings on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
“Ensuring that Gustavus students continue to receive an excellent education while maintaining affordability for families is a top priority of mine and the Board of Trustees,” Gustavus President Rebecca M. Bergman said. “We are proud of the fact that Gustavus continues to be recognized as one of the best values in the country among institutions of higher education.”
Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for their sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio, and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker prices, financial aid, and average debt at graduation. Gustavus has an 11 to 1 student to faculty ratio, a four-year graduation rate of 82 percent, and has a freshmen retention rate of 91 percent.
“We salute this year’s top schools,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “Balancing top-quality education with affordable cost is a challenge for families in today’s economy, which is why Kiplinger’s rankings are such a valuable resource. The schools on the 2015 list offer students the best of both worlds.”
The Top 25 Best College Values in the Midwest and the Top 100 Best College Values Among Liberal Arts Colleges lists are both available online. More information is also available online at kiplinger.com/links/college. The rankings will also appear in the February 2015 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, which will hit newsstands on January 6, 2015.
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