Kiplinger's Ranks SUNY Plattsburgh a 'Best College Value' In Education

December 18, 2014

If you didn’t know it, SUNY Plattsburgh is among the best values for public campuses in the nation.

The college placed 17th on the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine’s “24 Best College Values Under $30,000” nationwide. SUNY Plattsburgh was one of only four SUNY schools overall to make the list and shares the honors with colleges like Brigham Young, California State at Long Beach, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech.

Additionally, SUNY Plattsburgh made the finance magazine’s “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” nationwide, coming in at 80th for in-state students. That’s up from last year’s 98th ranking. The college was ranked 70th for out-of-state students.

SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling said the appearance on the lists — “validates what we have been saying for some time and goes hand in hand with our strategic plan.

“Students and families who are looking for an exceptional academic experience at a reasonable cost will find SUNY Plattsburgh a good fit,” he said.

The national rankings honor four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value. In the 100 Best Values listing, Plattsburgh was among 10 other SUNY campuses statewide to make the list.

Schools that top Kiplinger's “24 Best College Values Under $30,000” and “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” are noteworthy for their “combination of top-flight academics and affordable costs," according to the publication. It ranks colleges based on a formula that includes the acceptance rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-to-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, financial aid and low average debt at graduation.