The News Star, Monroe, Louisiana, on Louisiana Tech providing education

July 29
The News Star, Monroe, Louisiana, on Louisiana Tech providing education:
Money magazine has ranked Louisiana Tech University as one of the nation’s best college values, according to its 2014 Best Colleges list released Monday.
That’s a big win for Tech. Already recognized for an affordable education and future earnings potential of some of the majors available at this public university, Tech’s inclusion on this list is a valuable recruiting tool.
Of the nation’s approximately 1,500 four-year colleges, Money magazine ranked the top 665, placing Tech at No. 154 nationally and second among all Louisiana public and private institutions. LSU ranked first in Louisiana and nationally at No. 95. Other Louisiana universities ranked include Tulane University at No. 555, Loyola University-New Orleans at No. 604 and Grambling State University at No. 637.
The rankings were based on three specific categories: educational quality, affordability and alumni earnings data provided by PayScale.com. Money magazine also assigned each college or university a “value added” grade that rated each college according to the economic and academic profile of its student body, and the mix of majors at the school.
A statistical analysis was then used to award each ranked school a single score based on a five-point scale. Tech earned a value grade of B+ with a ranking score of 3.24, which was second only to LSU’s value grade of B+ and ranking score of 3.37.
“National rankings such as these are a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff who continue to provide our students with an excellent educational value and an unparalleled college experience,” said Tech President Les Guice.
That is an important statement in these years of no pay raises and declining state support for our public universities.
According to the data analyzed by Money, Tech’s net cost for a degree was $83,193 with an average annual salary of $49,400 for graduates after five years. Tech’s net cost was the lowest among all the ranked schools in Louisiana while its average annual salaries for graduates at five years was the state’s highest. The data also showed that Tech had the lowest average student debt of any ranked institution in Louisiana.
It’s nice to be on some “good” lists, and Tech’s recognition by Money is one of those. Congratulations to the dedicated faculty and staff who have persevered despite significant odds to achieve this honor.
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