The value of the new college is reflected in the ROI

Guest correspondence

New College’s value proposition is particularly evident when evaluating its return on investment, as recently demonstrated by the institution’s inclusion on the Princeton Review’s list of “Best Value Colleges” for 2024. This award, of which I am particularly proud, highlights a comprehensive evaluation that includes over 40 different metrics, of which affordability is just one facet among many.

New College particularly stands out for its ROI compared to other institutions in the Sunshine State. It is the only small liberal arts college on the list, contrasting with large universities ranging from 45,000 to nearly 70,000 students. This unique positioning underscores that New College is the best choice in Florida for anyone seeking a personalized liberal arts education with lasting impact.

Only one other Florida school made the top 20, and all five other Florida entries are large universities with enrollments ranging from 45,000 to nearly 70,000. No private college in Florida made the cut, meaning students looking for a small liberal arts college with a big lifelong impact have only one choice in Florida: New College.

Central to New College are small class sizes, direct involvement of faculty without teaching assistants, and a liberal arts approach that promotes scholarly breadth across multiple disciplines. Such an education is designed to have a lifelong impact, preparing students for immediate professional success and sustainable scholarly pursuits.

The response to New College’s academic rigor and faculty commitment is evident in Princeton Review feedback. Respondents highlight distinctive features such as narrative assessments, mandatory research initiatives for students, and the requirement to submit a thesis. Together, these elements define the institution’s academic status and set it apart from the educational landscape.

Many students see the return on their investment in the award of prestigious scholarships and research grants. New College has produced 92 Fulbright student fellows, the majority in Florida. Our students regularly succeed in obtaining scholarships and grants for research projects worldwide.

We pride ourselves on preparing our students for success in life, and many of our scholarship recipients continue their academic endeavors well beyond their undergraduate years. New College ranks among the top 15 doctoral colleges in terms of bachelor’s degree recipients over a 10-year period, while no other college or university in Florida ranks in the top 100.

The solid ROI that New College offers is not entirely independent of financial considerations. Florida public higher education emphasizes reasonable costs, especially for Florida residents. Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships allow many of our graduates to leave college with little or no student loan debt. This is an important factor that gives our alumni multiple options between a fast jump start into graduate study or entering a rewarding career.

As New College continues to grow and achieve record enrollment, it remains true to its commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards. This commitment ensures that future graduates will continue to benefit from the exceptional ROI that defines the New College experience. Not only will they receive an outstanding education, but they will already be on their way to becoming great citizens.

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.