Clark University is again recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 edition of Best Colleges. The just-released issue recognizes Clark’s outstanding academics and financial value, placing Clark at No. 83 among national universities and No. 28 on the list of “Great Schools at Great Prices.”
Clark placed at No. 94 in last year’s rankings.
“We are pleased that Clark has been rated once again as one of the leading institutions in our category,” said Don Honeman, Clark’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. “While we recognize that the U.S. News rankings are not a perfect measurement of the college experience, we think it is noteworthy that Clark’s unique approach to delivering an undergraduate education is reflected in the criteria measured by the rankings.“
“Clark’s approach to the liberal arts experience is designed to equip our graduates with the skills and competencies that will ensure their success in a 21st century economy,” Honeman continued. “The worth of that experience is reflected in the recognition of Clark as one of the best values in higher education today. Clark University’s tuition-free Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program option and our highly competitive room and board charges distinguish our cost structure in ways that students and their families find especially attractive.”
The Best Colleges 2013 guidebook will be in stores on Sept. 18 and is available at the U.S. News Store.
The calculations for the U.S. News rankings are based on a school’s academic quality and reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and more. The “Great Schools, Great Prices” calculations are based on academic quality and the net cost of attendance for a student receiving the average need-based scholarship or grant. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, says U.S. News, the better the deal. “Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included, because U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically.”
Clark is also included in the list of A-Plus Schools for B Students. This list highlights academic institutions “where non-superstars have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving — where spirit and hard work could make all the difference in admissions offices.”
Clark’s inclusion in these categories, as well as factors such as its graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and more, are why it remains among the top 100 universities in the nation.
Aside from the ratings, however, Honeman said the best way for a student to evaluate whether a college is a good fit is to “spend a few hours on the campus, meet our students, attend a class, get a sense of student culture and gain a first-hand view of the Clark experience.” Click here to learn more about the Clark Visit Experience.
The U.S. News college rankings, compiled for the past 27 years, groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The rankings claim to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. According to the U.S. News Media Group, the America’s Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.