For 20th year, Heidelberg ranks among best colleges

College also makes U.S.News list for affordability

Heidelberg College has again received high marks among its peers in U.S.News & World Report magazine’s national survey – proof positive that the college values the quality education it continues to provide to its students.

This year marks the 20th consecutive year that Heidelberg has been ranked in the top tier of the “Best Universities – Master’s” category in the Midwest. Additionally, the college received special recognition as a “great school at a great price” because of the combination of its outstanding quality and affordability. Just 15 colleges in each region receive this designation.

U.S.News uses a set of seven indicators to rank the best colleges and universities, including peer assessment, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduate rate and alumni giving.

Across the board, these factors are an excellent indication that the college is living its mission to be a student-centered institution that prepares its graduates for lifelong success not only professionally but personally, said Heidelberg President F. Dominic Dottavio.

“We remain committed to engaging our students both in the classroom and in out-of-class experiences, which often involve community service,” Dottavio said. “Our ranking for 20 years in a row as one of the best colleges in the country speaks to the value of a Heidelberg degree.”

 “Heidelberg provides students a high quality and affordable private college education that prepares them for a successful and meaningful life.”

For its “Great Schools, Great Prices” rankings, the magazine uses a formula that relates a school’s academic reputation, based on its ranking, with the net cost of attendance for a student who receives the average level of financial aid. Also factored in are the percentage of undergraduates who receive scholarships or financial aid and the “average discount,” the percentage of total costs covered by need-based scholarships or grants.

In 2006-07, Heidelberg’s average cost after need-based financial aid was $16,357.

The rankings are “great news” for Heidelberg, which is on the verge of welcoming one of its largest classes of new students in the past 40 years, said Thandabantu Maceo, vice president for enrollment and marketing.

“We believe the rankings reinforce our commitment to uphold our high standards to provide a quality education that is a great value for today’s families,” Maceo said. “A degree from Heidelberg College carries a lot of weight.”

The 574 colleges and universities in the “Best Universities – Master’s” category are ranked within four geographic regions, and then divided into tiers. Heidelberg appears in the top tier in the Midwest.

Founded in 1850, Heidelberg offers 36 courses of study in 19 major fields of concentrations, awarding the bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of music, master of arts in counseling, master of arts in education and the MBA degrees.

 
Posted 8-17-2007