Washington Monthly magazine today released its annual College Guide and Rankings, and Montana Tech—the only Montana university to break the top 50—ranked 12th on the list of 2014 Baccalaureate Colleges. Montana Tech surged from its 41st position in Washington Monthly’s 2013 Guide.
“As we start a new semester, it is appropriate that we are again recognized nationally for our academic excellence,” said Montana Tech Chancellor Don Blackketter.
Washington Monthly’s new college rankings measure institutions based on three criteria: civic engagement, research and social mobility. This fall, the Obama administration will release its plan to rate America’s colleges and universities. The administration’s new ratings, which are scheduled to go into effect in time for the 2015–16 school year, will include measures of access, affordability and outcome, similar metrics to those used by Washington Monthly for years.
Washington Monthly gives high marks to institutions that contribute to society, enroll low-income students, help them graduate and don’t charge a fortune to attend.
Washington Monthly’s unique methodology yields some striking results:
The guide comes at a time when many students are starting their college application process. Navigating the process can be difficult, especially for less fortunate or first-generation students who may plan to attend lower-ranked colleges or private for-profit colleges that are not even ranked at all. Many of these colleges have significant dropout rates as well as prices, debt levels and student loan default rates are high.
The Washington Monthly's College Guide and Rankings appear in the magazine's September/October issue. The complete 2014 college rankings and feature stories can also be found on the Washington Magazine College Guide website.