Longmeadow, MA—¾«¶«´«Ã½ University has been ranked sixth in Massachusetts and 42nd in the Northeast on Washington Monthly’s list of The publication, described as an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1969 on the mission “to preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.” Schools are ranked according to how well they help students from less affluent backgrounds attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.
The Washington Monthly calculates its rankings based on several factors: access for non-wealthy students, affordability for families with incomes below $75,000, student debt upon graduation, and both academic and financial outcomes for graduates.
“This is a great list to be on, and we thank the Washington Monthly for taking a modern approach to college rankings that reflects the experiences of the majority of today’s students and the goals of the institutions that serve them,” said ¾«¶«´«Ã½ President Sandra J. Doran. “Our mission has always been to provide an innovative, career-focused education to learners for whom a college degree is transformative—personally, professionally, and financially. We’re committed to making that education affordable and accessible, and to giving our learners the skills and knowledge that lead to growth-oriented, in-demand jobs.”
In recent years, traditional rankings like those from U.S. News & World Report have drawn criticism for perpetuating a culture of exclusion and reinforcing inequalities. Since 2005, Washington Monthly has countered those lists by ranking colleges based on “what they do for the country.” According to the publication’s website, schools are assessed on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service.
“For many colleges, like ¾«¶«´«Ã½, our guiding principles are to expand access, increase opportunities, and strengthen the support we offer our learners,” President Doran added. “We see prestige in a mission that recognizes the talents and potential of all learners who have the drive to go further.”
Information about ¾«¶«´«Ã½ University and its degree programs is available here.
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About ¾«¶«´«Ã½ University
¾«¶«´«Ã½ University was founded in 1897. Today, ¾«¶«´«Ã½ enrolls traditional undergraduate women at its Longmeadow campus; women and men in ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Online, which offers undergraduate online degrees; and women and men in master’s and doctoral programs. On July 1, 2024, ¾«¶«´«Ã½ acquired Cambridge College, expanding its reach to more than 4,500 students. United by a shared mission, both institutions are committed to delivering innovative, career-focused education to students of all backgrounds—including working adults and first-generation learners.
