Best College Values Right Here In Indiana
College isn’t cheap. There’s no doubt about that.
And with the class of 2015 about to be up to their ears in college applications, the esteemed finance publisher Kiplinger has offered up its list of best college values in the nation. And a number of Hoosier schools made the list.
“We salute this year’s top schools,” says 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 first Indiana school on the list was Notre Dame. Kiplinger ranked it 47 out of 300 schools and 18 on private schools. Though tuition at Notre Dame is a pricey $45,730 per year, Kiplinger reports that 100 percent of financial aid needs are met. And the school’s four-year graduation rate is 90 percent.
DePauw University in Greencastle also broke the top 100 on Kiplinger‘s list, and was a top 50 liberal arts college. Goshen College ranked 155 out of all schools and 73 in liberal arts colleges.
According to a Goshen College press release, the school costs 10 percent less than the national average for private colleges. Last year, 99 percent of Goshen College students received financial aid, and the average financial aid package totaled $19,470. Furthermore, Goshen College graduates earn their degrees with less debt than the national average.
Coming in at number 189 was Purdue University, which recently announced a record number of applications from prospective first-year students. Kiplinger ranked it 27 on its list of best public colleges.
“At Purdue, we are determined to deliver higher education at the highest proven value,” Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. “It seems clear that today’s more cost-conscious, value-conscious students are taking notice.”
“This strong national and international reputation coupled with strategically enhanced recruitment are key drivers of the growth in application volume,” said Pamela T. Horne, associate vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admissions. “The increase is welcome, as it enables Purdue to strategically shape a class that is well prepared for our rigorous academic setting and that will contribute to the campus environment in dynamic and diverse ways.”
Other Hoosier colleges to make the list were:
- Butler University – 194 overall, 60 among private colleges
- University of Evansville – 217 overall, 70 among private colleges
- Earlham College – 222 overall, 84 among liberal arts colleges
- Wabash College – 233 overall, 88 among liberal arts colleges
- Hanover College – 240 overall, 91 among liberal arts colleges
- Valparaiso University – 258 overall, 82 among private colleges
- Indiana Wesleyan University – 265 overall, 83 among private colleges
- Indiana University – 277 overall, 40 among public colleges
For the full list of schools, click here.
The list proves that there are a number of quality, affordable post-secondary education options in Indiana. Of course, traditional four-year colleges are not for everyone. There’s a few alternatives available in Indiana as well.
In Kosciusko County, Kosciusko Kickstart is set to offer fast-track training for the manufacturing industry. The 12-week program offered through Ivy Tech Community college costs less the $500 and lays the foundation for more advanced certifications like CNC machining and welding. There are similar programs in Lafayette and South Bend.
Whether its a career in liberal arts, STEM or manufacturing, there’s an educational option in Indiana to suit anybody’s needs and budget. I’ll leave you with this bit of advice from Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation President George Robertson: “Follow your dream, but before you get a four-year degree, make sure there’s a job for your dream.”