Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has named Loyola University Maryland one of the nation’s best values in private colleges and universities in its annual report released today.
Loyola ranked no. 55 among the top 100 private universities recognized for combining outstanding education with economic value, up considerably from last year’s ranking of 71. The top 100 liberal arts colleges were ranked separately. Kiplinger’s adjusted its criteria this year to better reflect issues affecting families; while cost, financial aid, and competitiveness still play a major role in determining value, a school’s four-year graduation rate and ability to keep student debt down are now given more weight.
“Our students and their families make an important investment when they choose Loyola, and we understand how significant that is in difficult economic times,” said Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of Loyola. “In return, we strive to provide exceptional value through academic excellence and opportunities for personal and professional growth in accord with our Jesuit values, and I am pleased our commitment has been recognized by such a prominent, respected publication.”
Loyola’s four-year graduation rate of 76.3 percent ranks near the top third of all schools on the private universities list. Other standout statistics include a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average need-based aid of $17,910 per student, per year. All undergraduates at Loyola have 100 percent of their full demonstrated financial need met when receiving financial aid awards. Loyola’s full-need policy was implemented five years ago as part of its ongoing commitment to its Jesuit mission and values related to issues of access and affordability.
Loyola is one of 15 Jesuit institutions and one of only three Maryland schools recognized on the top private universities list. The full report can be found online and will appear in Kiplinger’s December issue, due on newsstands Nov. 8.
For more information or questions regarding this story, contact Media Relations Manager Nick Alexopulos at nalexopulos@loyola.edu or 410-617-5025.