Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has named Bradley University one of the best values in private colleges in its annual ranking of 100 private universities that combine outstanding education with economic value.
Bradley and the other schools included in the 2011-12 list represent the colleges that are providing high quality academics, in addition to great cost value. Those listed exemplify the traits parents and students desire when looking into higher education options: small class sizes, financial aid options, high four-year graduation rates and low debt for students after graduation.
“Bradley offers a world-class education and we are pleased to be acknowledged once again by a national publication,” said Bradley President Joanne Glasser. “This is another independent confirmation that a Bradley education is one of the best values in the country.”
Kiplinger adjusted its criteria this year to better reflect the issues affecting families. Now, the rankings give more weight to the four-year graduation rate — a measure of the college’s ability to deliver academic support and of the overall cost to families – and to colleges that keep student debt down. While the criteria have shifted, the overall focus on value remains the same.
The annual private school report appears in Kiplinger’s December issue that will be on newsstands Tuesday, November 8 and is online now at www.kiplinger.com/links/college.
Bradley also is receiving recognition this week as a “Military Friendly School.” That recognition is bestowed by G.I. Jobs magazine to honor institutions that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.
Earlier this fall Bradley received recognition as the top ranking master’s level university in Illinois and placed sixth overall in the Midwest by U.S.News & World Report’s annual publication, America’s Best Colleges, and was rated among the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, in the 2012 edition of its college guide, “The Best 376 Colleges.” The University also was recognized as having one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the country in a survey conducted by The Princeton Review for Entrepreneur magazine.