Grove City College is among the top ten Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania, according to financial planning website SmartAsset.
SmartAsset studied a variety of data points to determine the best higher education values in each state and across the nation. Grove City College ranked 9th in Pennsylvania and 147th nationally based on a comparison of alumni starting salaries, tuition, living expenses, student retention rate and scholarships awarded.
Of Pennsylvania standouts, Grove City College has the lowest tuition and living costs, coming in thousands of dollars below its closest price point competitor, according to SmartAsset. Annual tuition at the private Christian liberal arts college is set at $18,930 and room and board averages $10,310.
Affordability is a hallmark of a Grove City College education, along with excellent academics and a Christ-centered learning and living experience. The College boasts an 88 percent freshmen retention rate, indicating a vast majority of students are satisfied with their first-year experience.
The College has long refused any federal support, including student loans and grants, instead offering students access to private scholarships and loans. Most Grove City College students receive some form of need- or merit-based aid and more than 40 percent of alumni graduate debt-free.
SmartAsset’s evaluation highlighted above-average salaries for graduates, 96 percent of whom report being employed or in graduate school within six months of earning a degree. PayScale sets the average starting salary for alumni at $55,000, with a mid-career average of $105,500.
See the entire list at SmartAsset’s website.