LA VERNE, CALIF., Aug. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of La Verne has ranked in the top 7 percent of colleges & universities in California in terms of return on investment (ROI) for 2013. The ranking supports the university's mission of providing opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals through high-quality degree programs at affordable pricing.
"As the cost of higher education increases, it is more important than ever for students to have opportunities that have proven a worthy investment in their future success," said Dr. Homa Shabahang, vice provost at the University of La Verne. "Here at La Verne, we are especially attentive to the financial needs of our students, and it is our goal to maintain our high ranking as one of California's best values in education."
Leveraging data from trusted United States government sources on the web, the ranking was provided by Affordable Colleges Online (ACO) and took into account education and income-related data for those seeking a solid return on an educational investment and better career earnings upon graduation.
"This ranking clearly indicates that we are providing our graduates with the tools necessary for success. At the University of La Verne, our alumni take with them The La Verne Advantage, which promises them a unique marketability where they graduate with skills that employers deem valuable and important," said Dr. Devorah Lieberman, president of the University of La Verne. "To make this ACO list is a reflection of the work behind our Strategic 2020 Vision and how we are working toward helping students achieve more than they ever imagined."
2020 Vision is a campus-wide goal to build the institution's identity around educational excellence, both on the curricular and co-curricular levels. It is designed to meet the future needs of students, and the local and national community.
In addition to the strategic vision in place, the university has long been recognized for providing a student-centered, values-based, and diverse learning environment and taking pride in offering small class sizes in a highly personalized setting, all of which affirm a high ROI for students.
"At La Verne, as a Hispanic and also first generation serving institution, it is essential for our students to get a high return on their investment," said Dr. Shabahang. "Education, and especially an education that has a high return on investment, is the proven path for achieving the American dream."
ACO provides parents and students with information about affordable higher education options including financial aid videos, expert advice, and cost savings ideas. The ROI ranking is based on the 2013 College Earnings Report from PayScale.com and findings from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System, the National Center for Education Statistics, and the Carnegie Foundation.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=20375
CONTACT:Alisha Rosas
