For the fifth consecutive year, Baylor has been named a “Best Buy” in the 2011 Fiske Guide to Colleges. The annual book is a best-selling companion for college-bound students and their parents.
The “Best Buy” honor is given to only 45 public and private universities in the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Baylor is one of two Texas universities to be named and is in good company with Iowa State, the only other Big 12 school listed.
“We are flattered that the Fiske Guide recognizes Baylor as providing outstanding educational value in the United States, Canada and Great Britain,” said Baylor President Ken Starr. “While we are committed to providing students an outstanding educational experience, we are also very sensitive to the cost of higher education. That is why we are dedicated to increasing the level of scholarship support that we are able to provide our students and their families.”
Dr. Reagan Ramsower, vice president for finance and administration, echoed the same sentiments as Starr.
“One of the most important decisions a family will help their son or daughter make is where he or she will attend college,” Ramsower said in an e-mail to the Lariat. “We are pleased that Baylor is being recognized again for providing students and families an outstanding value in higher education. Our goal is always to offer students a top quality academic experience, while remaining very aware of the costs associated with a Baylor education. President Starr, himself, is committed to investing significantly in scholarships that will make attaining a Baylor education possible for families who want to send their children to Baylor.” The Fiske Guide to Colleges retails for $23.99.
The Fiske website describes the guidebook as “helpful, honest and straightforward” while delivering “an insider’s look at the academic climates and the social and extracurricular scenes at the ‘best and most interesting’ schools in the United States, Canada and Great Britain.”
Universities must meet many expectations, which include maintaining a high quality of academic offerings and campus lifestyle in relation to the cost of attendance.
Many students say they are believe Baylor is an educational best buy. The Woodlands junior Laney Horton feels privileged to attend a university that is nationally ranked among other reputable schools such as Cornell.
“Academics are challenging and students are required to take an array of classes, including four semesters of a language,” Horton said. “Student life offers so many unique activities like Dr Pepper hour and Steppin’ Out. It’s so easy to understand why Baylor would be constantly named an international Best Buy.”
She also cites the close-knit community as a contributing factor in the overall effect Baylor has in creating a well-rounded and affordable institution.