Kiplinger’s Ranks Clemson Among Best College Values in U.S.

Kiplinger’s Ranks Clemson Among Best College Values in U.S.

CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson University has been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance list of 100 best values in public colleges for 2014. The ranking cites four-year schools that deliver a quality education at an affordable price.

Clemson, the highest ranked school in South Carolina, is ranked No. 31 for in-state students among the top 100 colleges thanks to its high four-year graduation rate, low average student debt at graduation, abundant financial aid, a low sticker price and overall great value. Kiplinger’s ranks Clemson at No. 39 in its out-of-state student ranking.

“We are pleased to be recognized for the overall value we offer, both to students within South Carolina and those out of state,” said Robert Barkley, Clemson’s admissions director. “As many families must continue to emphasize bottom-line cost, we continue to make every effort to provide not only top-quality education and the Clemson experience, but also affordable education at a tremendous value. And, quite frankly, we are flattered to be recognized yet again for this.”

Clemson University is not new to Kiplinger’s rankings. In the last two years, Clemson ranked 34th for in-state students. Last year, it was ranked 39th for out-of-state students; in 2012, it ranked 36th.

Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to a number of measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, abundant financial aid and low average debt at graduation.

“The college landscape today is very different — tuition increases and student debt dominate the national conversation surrounding higher education,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “This year’s top 100 schools have made admirable strides to maintain academic integrity and standards while meeting the financial needs of their students.”

The full rankings and additional information are posted on the Kiplinger website.