Four Nazarene higher education institutions were listed among Money magazine’s “Money’s Best Colleges 2015-2016” rankings. Out of 736 schools, MidAmerica Nazarene University ranked 191, Eastern Nazarene College 284, Point Loma Nazarene University 516, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University 638.
The magazine screens institutions based on graduation rates, educational quality, affordability, and alumni earnings to find the schools that "provide the best value for your dollar." Affordability factors included merit aid, parent and student borrowing, the length of time to graduate, and tuition increases, among other measures.
MidAmerica Nazarene University was named number 1 in Kansas among public and private colleges and universities and came fourth in Missouri and Kansas. Among private universities in the North Central region of the country, MNU was number 10.
MNU President David Spittal is pleased with Money magazine's inclusion.
“Our commitment to excellence is based upon the work of faculty and staff who give their best daily to add value to the students’ experience at MNU,” Spittal said. “This recognition is a validation of their commitment to MNU’s mission and the core values that we work to fulfill as a learning community."
The magazine also included a “special value measure,” a grade that measures how well students performed at each school versus what would be expected given their economic and academic backgrounds and the institution’s mix of majors.
“It’s not surprising that elite schools report high graduation rates, or that their alumni move on to high-paying jobs,” Money writes. “What’s impressive is when a college can help students do far better than you’d expect based on their academic and economic backgrounds and the mix of majors at their schools.”
In addition to making the overall list, ENC received a grade of “A” for “Value-Added” and ranked higher than any other Massachusetts college on the “50 Colleges that Add the Most Value” list.
“It’s always gratifying when the high quality of an Eastern Nazarene College education is recognized,” said Corlis McGee, ENC president. “The fact that ENC is also being recognized for the value of the education we provide is equally rewarding. At a time when college tuition is out of reach for many young people, Eastern Nazarene College is committed to making a Christian liberal arts education available to as many students as possible.”
Point Loma Nazarene University President Bob Brower acknowledged the significance of the university's inclusion.
"PLNU is a vital Christian community where academics and faith come together in preparing graduates for lives of meaningful work and service," he said. "Being recognized is an important factor in communicating the opportunities and educational value PLNU provide students."
