Kiplinger’s names Goshen College in top 100 best values in private liberal arts colleges

GOSHEN, Ind. – Goshen College has been named one of the top 200 best values in private colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. The magazinerecently announced the top private universities and liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding quality with affordability. This year, Goshen College was ranked 80th among liberal arts colleges.

KIPLINGER’S BEST VALUES IN PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
Midwest schools ranked by Kiplinger’s for 2011

25. Wheaton College
28. Kenyon College
29. Hillsdale College
33. Denison University
35. Oberlin College
38. DePauw University
57. Illinois Wesleyan University
60. Kalamazoo College
62. Principia College
66. The College of Wooster
64. Wabash College
66. The College of Wooster
68. Hope College
72. Augustana College
77. Knox College
80. Goshen College
89. Hanover College

Kiplinger’s chooses from a pool of more than 600 schools and creates two lists – the top 100 best values in private colleges and the 100 best values in private liberal arts colleges (which Goshen is on). The schools on the two lists were ranked according to academic quality and affordability, with quality accounting for the majority of the total. Criteria included admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratio and graduation rates, as well as data on cost and financial aid. For more methodology specifics, go to www.kiplinger.com/links/college.

According to the College Board, private colleges cost an average of about $37,000 a year. Some of the private schools on this year’s list charge a sticker price of $50,000 or more, and a few charge a price approaching $60,000. But the netprice — the amount families actually pay — runs far less, making even the most elite schools affordable for students who qualify for financial aid. For example, at Goshen College, the average need-based financial aid reduces the total amount from $35,240 a year to $19,266.

“At Goshen College, we pride ourselves on providing a superior quality education with strong student engagement,” said Dan Koop Liechty, director of admission at Goshen College. “That this can be teamed with affordability in these challenging financial times makes us a great educational choice.”

The next opportunity to visit Goshen College during a Campus Open House is on Nov. 11. Go to www.goshen.edu/admission/visit/openhouse to register. The priority application deadline for next school year is Dec. 15.

“The institutions on Kiplinger’s rankings for best value in private colleges represent schools that provide high-quality academics as well as affordable cost even in these tough times,” said Jane Bennett Clark, senior associate editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “With money tight and the college choice so important, you have every reason to expect the best bang for your buck.”

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College Acting News Bureau Coordinator Alysha Bergey Landis at (574) 535-7762 or alyshabl@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.