College resource highlights the most cost-effective institutions within its acclaimed national cohort.
Lindenwood University has received a new accolade in recognition of its affordable programming in relation to its peers. The award comes from Colleges of Distinction, a resource whose cohort of schools is selected based on the quality and breadth of hands-on experiences in lieu of the popular rankings model.
On the heels of a nation-wide conversation about college tuition and student debt, the Affordable Colleges of Distinction award aims to guide cost-conscious students and parents through the often opaque world of college financing. Lindenwood stands out among the other Colleges of Distinction as one with notable financial costs and outcomes.
“How to pay for college is a near-universal question at the top of new students’ minds,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Lindenwood has demonstrated to us that its students are graduating with manageable debt and careers that help them thrive.”
Fewer than 150 institutions have been selected as Affordable Colleges of Distinction, making Lindenwood University one of a kind. “Our calculations look at a number of factors related to cost,” said Schritter. “It’s important for us to remember that not all students are coming from the same socioeconomic background, and so we have incorporated weighted variables that adjust for family income relative to net price.” Colleges of Distinction’s methodology is informed by institutional data published by the U.S. Department of Education. Those on the list showed low net prices that were directly proportional to student household income.
Beyond net price, Lindenwood was further recognized for its low median debt as well as its graduates’ mean earnings data on the Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool. Beyond net price, Colleges of Distinction also took into account the graduates’ median debt and mean earnings data. These were then controlled for each school’s location, size, public/private affiliation status, and percentage of Pell grant recipients, altogether earning the University a spot among the most affordable.
“Our Affordable Colleges of Distinction are not just those with a low sticker price; they exemplify a solid return on a student’s investment.” Schritter continues. Lindenwood has shown us that an engaging, real-world education doesn’t have to break the bank.”
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools throughout the U.S. for true excellence in higher education. The member schools within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and
resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
