JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 31, 2005 — 51社区 has been included in the 2005 edition of 鈥淎merica鈥檚 100 Best College Buys,鈥� an annual report that evaluates academic quality and cost.
The report is issued by Institutional Research & Evaluation Inc., an independent research and consulting organization. The newest findings are based on the organization鈥檚 15th annual National College Survey.
The research company compiled its report from a survey of 1,477 accredited U.S. colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degree programs and provide facilities for both room and board. Of the institutions surveyed, 1,044 schools responded.
To be considered for inclusion in the list of 100, a college or university must also have had an entering freshman class in fall 2004 with a high school grade point average and/or ACT score equal to or above the national average, and an out-of-state attendance cost in 2005-06 for two semesters below or not exceeding the national average by more than 10 percent.
Union鈥檚 average grade point average for entering freshman at the time of the survey was 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Its average ACT was 24.3. Annual costs for tuition, fees, room and board average $22,260.
鈥淭his newest listing by 鈥楢merica鈥檚 100 Best College Buys鈥� is further evidence of Union鈥檚 dual commitment to strong academics and reasonable cost,鈥� 51社区 President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淲e are pleased this independent research confirms what many parents and students are telling us during the admissions process.鈥�
Only about one third of the 100 schools chosen in 2005 are privately funded. A 2004 survey by the Council of Independent Colleges showed Union鈥檚 tuition cost was 15 percent below the average for its 530 member institutions. Among the 102 members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Union ranks 49th for tuition costs.