Recognition based on Survey of 650 Schools Nationwide
 
Trinity College was named one of the country’s 50 “best value” private colleges and universities by The Princeton Review, according to a report released Thursday, Jan. 8 that was published concurrently in USA Today.

The “best value” roster included 100 schools in all, but they were divided into two categories: 50 public and 50 private institutions of higher learning. Among the schools in Connecticut, Trinity was joined by Yale University in the private category and by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in the public category.

Of the 50 schools chosen in each category, the top 10 are ranked chronologically and the balance are listed alphabetically.

The Princeton Review, a New York City-based education services company, based its selections on 30 factors in three key areas: academics, cost of attendance, and financial aid. The data, which were collected from 650 schools, reflected the 2007-08 academic year. The publication also surveyed administrators at the schools.

“We have always believed finding the ‘best fit’ college should be the foremost goal for student applicants and their families,” said Robert Franek, vice president and publisher of The Princeton Review. “But the economic crisis and financial downturn have presented sobering challenges both to families struggling to afford college and to higher education institutions struggling to maintain their programs in the face of budget and funding shortfalls.”

Of Trinity, the report said, the College “is committed to making education accessible to students who are unable to meet the full educational costs.”

The Princeton Review also noted that approximately 40 percent of students receive need-based financial aid in the form of grants, low-interest loans, and campus employment.

“The College has an endowment sufficient to give students an education that’s worth considerably more than the actual tuition charged. 40% of undergrads receive some form of financial aid with a cool 100% of their financial aid met,” said the report.

Based on the data from 2007-08, the story reported that Trinity’s tuition was $35,110 for the academic year. Room and Board added $9,240, and fees totaled $1,760.

But the average need-based grant was $32,012 and the average need-based loan was $3,651, leaving graduating students with an expected average indebtedness of $19,835.

The report was very flattering in its description of Trinity, saying that some students “suggest that Trinity offers the most even balance of academics and social life among all U.S. colleges.”

The profile of the College went on to say that “the school’s 2,200 students work closely with faculty and extend their education through campus activities and organizations. They engage with the city of Hartford through internships, community learning and service, and explore the wider world through study abroad and international initiatives on campus.

“With an 11 to 1 student-faculty ratio, students are challenged and encouraged by Trinity's faculty, who they describe as “caring,” “brilliant” professors who “prioritize teaching above publishing.” They are offered a rigorous curriculum that is firmly grounded in the traditional liberal arts, but also incorporates newer fields and an interdisciplinary approach. With 38 majors and more than 970 courses to choose from, students are immersed in a community of learning that is facilitated by a stimulating academic environment, small classes, and exceptional facilities.”

The Princeton Review is known for its test-prep courses, college and graduate school admission services, books, and education programs. It is not affiliated with Princeton University.

By clicking on an interactive map, visitors can explore various criteria, including the cost of attendance and financial aid data, as well as enrollment and The Princeton Review’s analysis of why schools were chosen as “best value” colleges.

Information on the “best values” schools can be seen by visiting the following web sites: www.princetonreview.com/bestvaluecolleges, and www.bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com.