Kiplinger's Names Canisius a Best Value Private School

BUFFALO, NY – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Canisius University one of the nation’s best values among private universities for 2011-12. Kiplinger’sranked 100 private universities and 100 liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding education with economic value. Canisius is the only private college in Western New York to rank in Kiplinger’s top 100 private universities. Only 13 of the 114 private colleges and universities in New York State made the list. Other schools on the private universities list include Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Notre Dame and Dartmouth.

According to Kiplinger’s, Canisius and the other schools included in the ranking represent the colleges that provide high-quality academics, in addition to great cost value even during these tough economic times. These private colleges exemplify the traits parents and students want when looking into higher education options: small class sizes, many financial aid options, high four-year graduation rate and low debt for students after graduation. 

“It is a great honor to be recognized in Kiplinger’s ranking and is confirmation of the college’s mission to provide a quality curriculum at an affordable price,” said Richard A. Wall, PhD, interim vice president for academic affairs. “We focus many efforts toward enhancing the value of a Canisius education.”

This year Kiplinger’s adjusted its criteria to better reflect the issues affecting families. Now, the rankings give more weight to the four-year graduation rate – a measure of the college’s ability to deliver academic support and of the overall cost to families – and to colleges that keep student debt down. While the criteria have shifted, the overall focus on value remains the same. 

Kiplinger’s further reports that private schools have a higher price tag than many public schools at first glance but these schools ultimately provide an excellent education at a great rate because of abundant financial aid options.

The annual private school report appears in Kiplinger’s December issue on newsstands Tuesday, November 8 and online now.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations at 716-888-2790.

Canisius University is one of 28 Jesuit, Catholic colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.