Rankings of Top Best Value Colleges

In 2009, The Princeton Review, in collaboration with USA TODAY, published its prestigious list of the "Best Value Colleges"—a ranking that aims to spotlight the institutions that provide an outstanding education at a reasonable cost. This list, often regarded as a reliable guide for prospective college students and their families, takes into account various factors such as the quality of education, financial aid opportunities, the cost of attendance, and the long-term value of the degree. The 2009 ranking of the best value private colleges and universities highlighted a combination of elite institutions and lesser-known gems, all of which offered an exceptional return on investment for students. Among the top-ranked schools were both Ivy League powerhouses and smaller, selective liberal arts colleges, reflecting a diverse range of educational opportunities. Swarthmore College topped the list of the best value private colleges, ahead of Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Princeton. On the other hand, the University of Virginia was named the best value public university, solidifying its reputation as a top choice for students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.

Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, stood out in 2009 as the number one "Best Value" private college in the United States, surpassing even renowned Ivy League institutions. Swarthmore’s ranking was based on a combination of factors, including its academic excellence, low student-to-faculty ratio, strong financial aid offerings, and relatively low tuition rates compared to other similarly prestigious institutions. The college is known for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and intellectual curiosity. Swarthmore students benefit from a challenging academic environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, making it an attractive choice for high-achieving students.

Swarthmore’s relatively low cost of attendance, especially in comparison to other Ivy League and elite private institutions, also played a significant role in its top ranking. The school’s commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students helps to minimize the financial burden on families. Swarthmore’s need-blind admissions policy means that financial need does not factor into the college’s decision to admit a student, allowing access to a high-quality education regardless of financial background. For many students, this policy reduces the necessity of student loans and helps them graduate with significantly less debt than their peers at other prestigious colleges.

Following Swarthmore on the list of the top 10 best value private colleges were several of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League schools, including Harvard College, which took second place. Harvard, a perennial powerhouse in terms of both academic reputation and financial resources, was ranked highly on the 2009 list due to its extensive financial aid programs, world-class faculty, and research opportunities. Despite the high sticker price of tuition at Harvard, the college’s generous financial aid policies ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend without being saddled with overwhelming debt. Harvard has a strong tradition of offering need-based financial aid, and it was one of the first institutions to implement a no-loan policy for students from families with an annual income below a certain threshold. This commitment to affordability, coupled with its academic prestige and unparalleled resources, makes Harvard one of the best values in private higher education.

Princeton University, ranked third in the 2009 “Best Value” list, also offers an exceptional return on investment. Like Harvard, Princeton has a robust financial aid program that ensures all students admitted to the university can attend without worrying about tuition fees or loans. Princeton’s approach to financial aid is one of the most generous in the country, with a policy that meets 100% of demonstrated need for all students. Princeton is also known for its small class sizes, individualized attention from world-class faculty, and commitment to undergraduate teaching. The university’s focus on providing a well-rounded, high-quality education while minimizing the financial burden on students has solidified its place among the top private universities in the United States.

Rice University in Houston, Texas, claimed the fourth spot on the list of best value private colleges in 2009. While Rice may not have the same name recognition as the Ivy League schools, it offers a world-class education at a fraction of the cost. Rice is particularly known for its strengths in the sciences, engineering, and business, but it also offers strong programs in the humanities and social sciences. Rice’s financial aid policies, which include substantial merit scholarships and need-based aid packages, ensure that students from all economic backgrounds can access its top-tier education. Additionally, the university’s small size allows for a personalized learning experience, where students benefit from close relationships with professors and the opportunity to engage in hands-on research. This combination of academic excellence, financial accessibility, and personalized attention makes Rice one of the best values in private higher education.

Yale University, ranked fifth on the list, is another Ivy League institution that offers significant value to its students. Yale has long been regarded as one of the top universities in the world, and it consistently ranks highly for its exceptional faculty, academic rigor, and research opportunities. Despite its high tuition costs, Yale’s commitment to financial aid ensures that all admitted students receive the support they need to attend. The university’s need-blind admissions policy, which allows students to apply without worrying about financial considerations, helps ensure that students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds are represented. Yale’s reputation for producing graduates who go on to achieve great success in a variety of fields, coupled with its comprehensive financial aid program, contributes to its status as one of the best value private colleges in the United States.

Williams College, located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, was ranked sixth on the 2009 list of best value private colleges. Williams is widely regarded as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, known for its academic rigor, outstanding faculty, and emphasis on undergraduate education. The college offers a range of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships and need-based grants, ensuring that students from a wide array of financial backgrounds have access to a Williams education. Williams is also known for its strong sense of community, with a low student-to-faculty ratio that allows for close relationships between students and professors. This combination of academic excellence and affordability has made Williams one of the top choices for students seeking a liberal arts education.

Amherst College, another highly respected liberal arts college, was ranked seventh on the list of best value private colleges in 2009. Like Williams, Amherst offers a rigorous academic experience and a close-knit campus community. The college’s financial aid program ensures that students from all backgrounds can afford to attend, with generous need-based financial aid packages that minimize the need for student loans. Amherst’s strong reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to affordability have made it a top choice for students seeking a world-class education without the burden of excessive student debt.

The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, ranked eighth on the list of best value private colleges in 2009. Caltech is renowned for its strengths in science and engineering, and it attracts some of the brightest minds in the world. The university’s financial aid program provides significant support to students, ensuring that they can attend without incurring excessive debt. Caltech’s rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and research opportunities make it one of the best values for students interested in pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Pomona College, located in Claremont, California, ranked ninth on the list of best value private colleges. Pomona offers a rigorous liberal arts education, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research. The college’s strong financial aid program ensures that students can attend without worrying about the cost of tuition. Pomona’s commitment to providing a top-tier education while maintaining affordable tuition rates makes it one of the best values in private higher education.

Finally, Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, rounded out the top ten list of best value private colleges in 2009. Stanford is widely regarded as one of the top universities in the world, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and engineering. Despite its high tuition, Stanford offers generous financial aid packages that ensure students can attend without accumulating excessive debt. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation, combined with its strong financial aid policies, makes it one of the top values in private higher education.

In conclusion, the 2009 rankings of the best value private colleges and universities by The Princeton Review highlight the diversity of institutions that offer outstanding educational opportunities at a reasonable cost. Swarthmore College, the University of Virginia, Harvard, Princeton, Rice, and the other schools on the list have earned recognition for their academic rigor, strong financial aid programs, and relatively low tuition rates. These institutions offer students an excellent return on investment, providing a world-class education that prepares them for success in their careers while minimizing the financial burden of student debt. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, these schools represent some of the best options for students seeking both academic excellence and financial value.

The Princeton Review “Top 10 Best Value Private Colleges for 2009″ are as follows:
1. Swarthmore College (Swarthmore PA)
2. Harvard College (Cambridge MA)
3. Princeton University (Princeton NJ)
4. Rice University (Houston TX)
5. Yale University (New Haven CT)
6. Williams College (Williamstown MA)
7. Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
8. California Institute of Technology (Pasadena CA)
9. Pomona College (Claremont CA)
10. Stanford University (Stanford CA)

Ranking of the “Top 10 Best Value Public Colleges for 2009″:
1. University of Virginia (Charlottesville VA)
2. New College of Florida (Sarasota FL)
3. College of William & Mary (Williamsburg VA)
4. State University of New York at Binghamton (Binghamton NY)
5. Florida State University (Tallahassee FL)
6. North Carolina State University (Raleigh NC)
7. Univ. of California – San Diego
8. City University of New York – Hunter College (New York NY)
9. Univ. of Georgia (Athens GA)
10. The College of New Jersey (Ewing NJ)

Source: The Princeton Review