For 11th Time, Pitt Named Best Value in State

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh has again been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best-value public colleges nationwide. And, for the 11th consecutive year, the University ranks as the top value among all public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

The 2016 ranking cites four-year schools that combine an outstanding education with affordable cost. Kiplinger’s assesses value according to measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio, and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker price, financial aid, and average debt at graduation. Many schools have appeared on the list multiple times, a testament to the consistent value these colleges and universities provide. Kiplinger’s also compiles lists of 100 private universities and 100 liberal arts colleges with the best value.

“We start with a universe of 1,200 schools, so each school on our rankings, from number 1 to 300, is a best value,” says Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “Families can use the list as a starting point and then tailor it to each student’s preference for such things as size, location, campus culture, and major.” 

The complete rankings are accessible online at kiplinger.com/links/college. The rankings will also appear in the February 2016 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, which will be available on newsstands Jan. 5. 

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12/16/15/klf/jm