CANTON -- St. Lawrence University has been named a “best value” in private higher education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, as one of only 100 liberal arts institutions to earn the designation. The annual top-100 rankings appear in Kiplinger’s December issue, on newsstands Nov. 8.

St. Lawrence is ranked at number 59 on the list of 100 best-value liberal arts institutions; last year, the university was ranked number 62.

Each year, Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to measurable standards, including the percentage of students who are admitted out of those who applied; the academic quality of incoming first-year students; the ratio of students to faculty members; and the four- and five-year graduation rates.

The report states, “As always, our 2011-12 rankings for best values in private colleges and universities identify institutions that are both academically strong and affordable - our definition of value. This year, Kiplinger adjusted its criteria to better reflect issues affecting families. Now, the rankings give more weight to the four-year graduation rate - a measure of the college’s ability to deliver academic support and of the overall cost to families - and to colleges that keep student debt down. While the criteria have shifted, the focus on value remains the same.”

“The institutions on Kiplinger’s rankings for best value in private colleges represent schools that provide high-quality academics as well as affordable cost even in these tough times,” said Jane Bennett Clark, senior associate editor for Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “With money tight and the college choice so important, you have every reason to expect the best bang for your buck.”

There is more at http://www.kiplinger.com/links/college