Methodology: How We Get Our Numbers
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The mission of Value Colleges is to provide prospective students with a practical, thorough guide to the most financially sound investments in higher education degrees. Our rankings, FAQs, and Cheap Lists are designed to inform students of the real costs and benefits of college education and direct them to the colleges and universities that will provide the most advantageous balance of price, marketability, and return on investment.
Our data comes from a few trusted sources:
National Rankings:
Most commonly, we consider the U.S. News & World Report rankings, as they are the most influential and generally considered the most reliable. Occasionally, as for specialized lists, other national rankings, such as Businessweek, the Princeton Review, and Forbes may be consulted.
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Payscale.com:
The leading online source of data for starting salaries, ROI, and average salaries, Payscale.com has proven its commitment to accuracy and precision.
IPEDS:
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System is the public database for the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), the federal agency charged with collecting, analyzing, and distributing information about colleges, universities, and technical schools in the US.
Primary research:
We assiduously fact-check and verify all of our rankings by scouring the public websites of the colleges and universities we consider. Because even the most trusted sources can have errors or out-of-date information, we take on the responsibility of ensuring that the information in our rankings is as accurate as possible.
We analyze data from these sources according to our own proprietary formulas to determine which institutions meet the Value Colleges mark – affordability, reputation, and return.
Related:
It’s Application Time: a How-to Guide
How to Get the Most Value out of Your College Experience
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Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.