For the third year in a row, the Princeton Review—an education services organization and rankings resource—has named Kalamazoo College one of the nation’s best institutions for students seeking a top-notch education at an affordable price.
For its annual Best Value Colleges list, the Princeton Review evaluated 650 public and private institutions across the country through their academic offerings, costs, financial aid, career services, graduation rates and student debt while examining student surveys and PayScale.com reviews of alumni salaries. Although schools are not ranked individually, K was chosen among the top 209 for value based on 40 data points that calculate return on investment (ROI) ratings. The Princeton Review gave K an ROI score of 90 out of 99 for 2024, making the College just one of four Michigan schools recognized as a best value.
In K’s profile, the Princeton Review says the College brings a personalized approach to education through a flexible, open curriculum featuring real-world experience, service learning, study abroad and an independent senior-year project. Student surveys noted that the alumni network is easy to contact and willing to help, providing a culture of giving back to the school and supporting each other. Another student added that the College’s small-school environment helps everyone find a chance to get involved in issues they care about and the community.
“The schools we chose as our Best Value Colleges for 2024 are a select group: they comprise only about 8% of the nation’s four-year undergraduate institutions,” Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief Rob Franek said. “We commend their administrators, faculties, staff and alumni for all they are doing to educate their students and guide them to success in their careers. These colleges are also exceptional for the generous amount of financial aid they award to students with need and their comparatively low cost of attendance.”