Elmira College Earns 4-Star Rating by Money

The financial publication, Money, again named Elmira College to its "Best Colleges in America 2023" list. This annual ranking assesses affordability and value for prospective students, analyzing things like graduation rates, cost of attendance, and financial aid. In previous years, Money provided a listed ranking, but this year the publication shook things up and introduced a five-star rating system. EC received four stars, situating it high in the ratings for a college of its size.

To be among the 736 institutions rated, the school had to:

  • Have at least 500 undergraduate students.

  • Have sufficient, reliable data to be analyzed.

  • Not be in financial distress.

  • Have a graduation rate that was at or above the median for its institutional category.

According to Money’s website, “Money’s new system recognizes that there are multiple ways for a school to provide value, and multiple “best” colleges, depending on your goals and priorities.”

After meeting the above criteria, colleges are ranked based on 26 factors in the following three categories: quality (30%), affordability (40%), and outcomes (30%). See Money's full methodology.

Money noted that EC provides grants to 100% of students in need and that the average amount of money awarded for merit is nearly $20,000.

"It is always an honor to be recognized in Money's list of Best Colleges in America," said Dr. Charles Lindsay, Elmira College President. "Elmira College has one of the lowest undergraduate tuition prices of any four-year private college in the region. We know affordability is a primary concern for families, which is why we focus on bringing added value to our students. Our combination of a liberal arts education and professional programs prepares our students for career success. For those looking to extend their education, we offer seamless pathways to a variety of graduate programs. And 97% of EC students complete at least one internship before graduation, allowing them to gain skills and build a strong network of support that is further fostered by our active alumni.”

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