By Stephen Stirling
For college−bound residents dealing with the effects of the economic recession, the Princeton Review said one need not look farther than southern Flushing for one of the best bachelor’s degrees for the buck in the nation.
The Princeton Review, citing a diverse, vibrant campus awash with educational opportunities, named Queens College one of the 50 “Best Value” colleges in the country.
“Students find the coursework here interesting and satisfying,” the report said. “The excellence of the school’s offerings in pre−professional areas is evidenced by the great numbers of undergraduates studying accounting, computer science and pre−medicine.”
Queens College President James Muyskens said while he was honored by the nod from the Princeton Review, he was not surprised.
“It is always gratifying to receive external confirmation of what we in the Queens College community have long known: There is no better education available than what we offer right here in Flushing,” Muyskens said. “In this economic downturn, more families are discovering us as the smart choice — a college that combines excellent academics with superb value. And with the opening this August of The Summit at Queens College, our first residence hall, we expect to attract many outstanding students who no longer have to look elsewhere for a residential experience.”
Queens College, which boasts more than 18,000 students, has an annual tradition of just $4,000. With a four−year education at many private schools in the country breaking $100,000, the Princeton Review noted that few schools in the country could beat the college’s price.
“Cooper Union [in Manhattan], which is free, is probably the only better deal available,” the report said.
The Princeton Review selected the “Best Value” schools on three criteria: academics, costs of attendance and financial aid. More than 650 colleges and universities were considered in the report.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e−mail at sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 138.
