How We Ranked the Top Private College Values for 2011-12
After ranking colleges and universities for more than ten years, we've tweaked our formula and our presentation for a sharper focus on our long-standing theme -- value.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter
After ranking colleges and universities for more than ten years, we've tweaked our formula and our presentation for a sharper focus on our long-standing theme -- value. Here's how we divvy up the criteria that determine our rankings to give you our best assessment of quality and affordability. (For a deep dive into the measure of our rankings, check out our sortable data tables.)
SEE OUR TOOL: Get Complete Rankings of Our Top 200 Private Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges
COST AND FINANCIAL AID: 31.25%

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Recognizing that every family benefits from a low sticker price, we give the most points to schools with the lowest total cost (tuition, fees, room and board, and books). We bestow points in equal measure on schools that reduce the price through need-based aid and those that knock the price down through non-need-based aid. Some schools fail to cover the gap between expected family contribution and the aid they provide. We reward schools with the highest percent of need met. To cover our bases, we give points up to the same maximum to schools based on the percent of non-need-based aid given to students.
COMPETITIVENESS: 25%
We include test scores in our formula because strong students attract other strong students, and their synergy creates an intellectual sizzle that enhances education. Admission rate, the percentage of students accepted out of those who apply, demonstrates the college's selectiveness in choosing among candidates. Because more students are applying to more schools, we added yield to our list of criteria. That number -- the percentage of students who enroll out of those who are admitted -- shows the college’s ability not only to attract strong students but also to close the deal.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT: 12.5%
Small classes, individual attention and academic mentoring contribute to student success. The students per faculty figure measures whether the college has the personnel to deliver on all three. Freshman retention rate shows the percentage of first-year students who return for sophomore year rather than dropping out or transferring. Retention rate is an important indicator of how happy students are with their education and how well the college supports them on their path to a degree.
GRADUATION RATES: 18.75%
Paying for four years of college is tough enough. Paying for five or six? Do the math and weep. Our retooled rankings give maximum weight to the four-year graduation rate to reward colleges that help students get undergraduate degrees on time and within budget. Because we know that life happens, we also give points -- albeit half as many -- to colleges with a strong showing of students who get the job done in five years.
STUDENT INDEBTEDNESS: 12.5%
As college costs rise, so does average debt at graduation, to the tune of $24,000 among all student borrowers and $28,000 for student borrowers at private colleges, according to the Project on Student Debt. We think that's a lot, so we bumped up our points to benefit colleges that keep average debt down. We also created a new category: percent of students who borrow; the lower the number, the better the score.
-
-
A Retirement Income Distribution Plan Is as Critical as Saving
Designing a strategy to efficiently use your retirement savings is a critical step on your retirement planning journey to maximize your income and ensure a long-lasting retirement.
By Bradley Rosen • Published
-
The Markets Were Miserable Last Year, But That’s Great News
It’s all about perspective. Hopefully, you learned that your financial plan can withstand market downturns. If not, now you know you need to make adjustments.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP • Published
-
Best Cash Back Credit Cards February 2023
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders may pay hundreds of dollars, with minimum hassle.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
I-Bond Rate Is 6.89% for Next Six Months
Investing for Income If you missed out on the opportunity to buy I-bonds at their recent high, don’t despair. The new rate is still good, and even has a little sweetener built in.
By David Muhlbaum • Last updated
-
What Are I-Bonds?
savings bonds Inflation has made Series I savings bonds enormously popular with risk-averse investors. How do they work?
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
Your Guide to Open Enrollment 2023
Employee Benefits Health care costs continue to climb, but subsidies will make some plans more affordable.
By Rivan V. Stinson • Published
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane Ian
Buying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
By Bob Niedt • Last updated
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
By David Rodeck • Published
-
Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards February 2023
credit cards Business road warriors and leisure travelers can use travel rewards credit cards to turn miles logged into other things — including more travel.
By Lisa Gerstner • Last updated
-
What Is APR?
credit & debt Even for those who pay off their credit card balances every month, knowing your APR is part of keeping good credit habits.
By Rivan V. Stinson • Published