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Baylor Named a 2011-2012 Best Value Private College

WACO - Baylor students and alumni have something new to be proud of this Friday.

Baylor University has been named one of the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Kiplinger's ranked 100 private universities and 100 liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding education with economic value. The annual private school report appears in Kiplinger's December issue—on newsstands Tuesday, Nov. 8—and online now at www.kiplinger.com/links/college. 

Baylor and the other schools included in the 2011-2012 lists represent the colleges that provide high quality academics, in addition to great cost value even during these tough economic times. Kiplinger's said the magazine focused on Baylor and the other private colleges because they exemplify the traits parents and students want when looking into higher education options: small class sizes, many financial aid options, high four-year graduation rate and low debt for students after graduation.

 "We are honored to be acknowledged again as a Best Value by Kiplinger's," said Baylor President Ken Starr. "The Baylor experience is distinct in its level of personal attention, spiritual enrichment, academic and athletic excellence, and high-caliber student life programming. We work especially hard to ensure excellence in all we do while also remaining attentive to the cost of a Baylor education. By continuing to increase the level of scholarship support we provide to students, we can preserve the value of a Baylor education for generations to come."

 This year, Kiplinger's adjusted its criteria to better reflect the issues affecting families. Now, the rankings give more weight to the four-year graduation rate – a measure of the college's ability to deliver academic support and of the overall cost to families – and to colleges that keep student debt down. While the criteria have shifted, the overall focus on value remains the same.

 Many schools, such as Baylor, have appeared on the Kiplinger Best Value list multiple times, a testament to the truly great value these colleges provide, the magazine stated.