Kiplinger Magazine has released results of a new survey rating the value of education received at America's public universities. Only two Ohio schools made it into their top 100. Miami of Ohio finished 38th in value, but first in cost.Results-
- Miami of Ohio, 38th for residents, 38th for non-residents
- Ohio State: 62nd for residents, 79th for non-residents
The top three schools in value received were North Carolina, Florida (OUCH!), and William and Mary.
The rating were based on a combination of cost and academic programs, with more weight given to the latter. Among the data factored into academics were SAT scores, student-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. Financial aid was factored into cost.
The average per-year cost of Miami is $32,377, which was a staggering $11,000 more than any other school among the top 100. (Why in the world is a state-supported school so overwhelmingly expensive?) OSU costs $17,157. Least expensive among the 100 was the Mississippi University for Women at $9,100.
On the bright side, since cost and quality are both factored into this table, Miami must offer some terrific education to finish on this list at all, given their costs. But where are the rest of our universities?
1. The actual in-state tuition for Miami is approximately $12,000 less than what Kiplinger's shows. All in-state students automatically receive an Ohio Resident Scholarship tied to state subsidy as well as a sizable Ohio Leadership Scholarship based on need and ability, with special emphasis on helping middle-income families. Net tuition and fees for an Ohio student in fall 2006 ranged from $9,113 to $11,863.
Also, Ohio families earning less than $35,000 a year are eligible for the Miami Access Initiative, guaranteeing free tuition for academically qualified students.
We're working on a way to get Kiplinger's correct figures next year. Thanks so much for your posting.
Posted at 6:45PM on Jan 17th 2007 by Arlene Werts