University Again Named a Top 100 Best College Value by ‘Kiplinger’

Duquesne’s excellent academics and affordability have again earned the University a spot on the Best College Values rankings published by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

In the newly released Top 300 Best College Values of 2016, Kiplinger ranked Duquesne No. 71 on its list of 100 best values in private universities. The University has been consistently rising in this Kiplinger’s category, coming in at No. 72 in 2015 and at No. 84 on the 2014 list.

One of only six Pennsylvania schools included in the best values in private universities list this year, Duquesne was ranked at No. 56 in the “salary yardstick” (of its graduates) category.

“We’re pleased to again be recognized as a best value school,” said Paul-James Cukanna, associate provost for enrollment management. “Our admission, academic, student service and other colleagues throughout the University are committed to provide a high-quality academic experience and support from the time our students step onto campus, through graduation and beyond. Our strong graduation and retention rates, lower student debt and higher starting salaries all contribute to a strong return on investment for our students and their families.”

For its rankings, Kiplinger assesses value by measurable standards of academic quality and affordability. Quality measures include the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker price, financial aid and average debt at graduation.

“President Charles Dougherty recognized—ahead of most university leaders nationally—the prominent roles that a clear articulation of both our ROI and value proposition would play in a highly competitive and outcomes-based higher education marketplace,” added Cukanna.

The University’s 86.6 percent retention rate remains above the national average for comparable institutions, including the national 81.7 percent retention rate for private, doctoral-degree granting institutions. In addition, 95 percent of freshmen who entered Duquesne in 2014 reported this past spring that they were satisfied with their college experience during their first semester at the University.

“We start with 1,200 schools, so each school in our rankings, from number 1 to number 300, is a best value,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. “Families can use this list as a starting point and then tailor it to each student’s preference for such things as size, location, campus culture and major.”