Pitt Named Best Value in State for 12th Time

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 12th consecutive year, the University ranks as the top value among all public colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly proud to remain the longstanding best-value in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “When students and their families choose the University of Pittsburgh, they see a return on investment that is of the highest value, and they know that this return promises to have a significant impact on the rest of their lives.”

The 2017 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, percentage of students who return for sophomore year, student-faculty ratio, and four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker price, financial aid, and average debt at graduation. Kiplinger’s also compiles lists of 100 private universities and 100 liberal arts colleges with the best value.

“There’s no way around it: College is expensive, and it’s going to stay that way for a long time. So, with our rankings—which weigh affordability alongside academic quality—our goal is to help students and their parents understand what’s really worth the price,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “While some may have ranked higher than others, all 300 schools on the list are of extraordinary value, being chosen out of a universe of 1,200.”

The complete rankings are accessible online at kiplinger.com/links/college. The rankings will also appear in the February 2017 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, which will be available on newsstands Jan. 3.

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