Princeton Review lists WU in best value ranking

Washington University was ranked the seventh best value in private universities by the Princeton Review.

The ranking was based on factors including financial aid and academics. It was compiled using official university data and results from student surveys.

Director of Student Financial Services, William Witbrodt, says that the ranking is a reflection on how students feel about the University.

“For one thing I know that the financial aid office is as responsive as it can be to students. We provide excellent service and we would never let a student leave the University because of finances. When the Princeton Review folks interviewed the students on our campus I know that played a large part in the ranking,” Witbrodt said.

University officials say that the school’s academic programs also make it a best value for students.

“We offer a wide variety of academic programs here, so for students who choose to come here we offer a lot of flexibility and I think that certainly adds value. We are an institution where we are able to offer a lot of variety and diversity but we are also a place where you can get into classes that are small enough to interact with a faculty member in that specific discipline,” Assistant Vice Chancellor Rob Wild said.

Some students say that the University’s price tag and academics combine to make it a good value.

“I think for the same amount of money, you get a lot more here. When I visited other colleges of the same caliber, I thought that Wash. U. provided a lot better campuses, dorms, and food [...] As a pre-med [student], when I want to do research I could just ask a professor or he will point me at the right direction. I don’t know about other [majors], but it’s definitely a lot better for pre-meds to be here,” junior Phil Chen said.

Other students say that the school’s value comes in more abstract form.

“I think Wash. U. does it’s best to make it worth it. I think the intellectual capital is priceless. So in that sense I think it’s worth it,” sophomore Bailey Breems said.

Wild agrees with this sentiment.

“We always have felt that Washington University is a great investment for anyone who chooses to attend here as a student. The value has to do with the students feeling like they have gotten a good return on their investment here,” he said.