MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is one of 209 top colleges and universities in the nation for academics, career readiness and affordability, according to The Princeton Review.
The university is included in the “Best Value Colleges for 2023” report, an annual project of the educational services company. Among the seven categories of ranking lists for public institutions, K-State is No. 2 for best alumni networks, No. 2 for internships and No. 10 for making an impact.
“K-State’s rankings show that our approach to preparing students for professional careers is valuable and valued,” said Charles Taber, university provost and executive vice president. “We provide students with the resources, opportunities and access to internationally recognized educators, researchers and alumni. In addition, our affordable, unique educational experience is true to our mission of a land-grant university.”
The report draws attention to the many academic resources, career placement services and opportunities to engage with alumni and companies in the classroom. Student survey responses said K-State offers a culture of success and provides opportunities to help shape careers and well-rounded individuals.
The Princeton Review’s list is based on data from its surveys of administrators at more than 650 colleges in 2022-23. Topics covered include academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates and student debt. The company also factored in data from its surveys of students attending the schools as well as data from PayScale.com’s surveys of the schools’ alumni about their starting and mid-career salaries and job satisfaction.
“K-Staters are the most loyal and passionate in the nation, and it is wonderful to have received this recognition from The Princeton Review,” said Amy Button Renz, K-State Alumni Association president and CEO. “The K-State Alumni Association board of directors and staff pride ourselves on fulfilling our mission to lead and inspire lifelong involvement that will benefit Kansas State University and all members of our Wildcat community. We are honored that K-State students recognize the value of alumni engagement and networking.”
K-State earned a return-on-investment rating score of 86. More than 40 data points determine this score, which was the basis for the Best Value Colleges school selections.
“The schools we chose as our Best Value Colleges for 2023 are a select group: they comprise only about 8% of the nation’s four-year undergraduate institutions,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. “We commend their administrators, faculties, staff and alumni for all they are doing to educate their students and guide them to success in their careers. These colleges are also exceptional for the generous amount of financial aid they award to students with need and/or for their comparatively low cost of attendance.”
The university was also ranked in 11 areas by The Princeton Review in the “Best 388 Colleges for 2023,” released in August 2022, including No. 1 in the nation for best quality of life; No. 2 for students who love their college; No. 3 for town-gown relations and No. 4 for happiest students and for best health services.