Headlines in the Midlands
USC Columbia named a 'Best Value' by Princeton Review
COLUMBIA, SC - February 7, 2012 - The University of South Carolina Columbia has been recognized in The Princeton Review as one of the 75 "best value" public colleges and universities in the nation.
The Princeton Review's "150 Best Value Colleges for 2012" list was released Tuesday, Feb. 7, in collaboration with USA Today and features 75 public and 75 private colleges.
USC was cited for awarding more than 1,000 need-based and merit-based scholarships for entering freshmen each year, its respected academic programs, including business, journalism, nursing, chemistry and hospitality management, and its Honors College, which offers undergraduates a small, liberal arts college experience on USC's campus. Scott Verzyl, associate vice president for enrollment management and executive director of undergraduate admissions, said the ranking confirms that the university is honoring its commitment to offer an outstanding value at an affordable cost.
"This ranking shows that the University of South Carolina is among the best public universities in the nation for academics and affordability," Verzyl said. "Moreover, it recognizes Carolina's success in preparing students academically and in equipping them with knowledge and leadership skills to face challenges and opportunities before them."
In the past two years, USC has launched two new programs to enhance undergraduate education, USC Connect and the Carolina Leadership Initiative. USC Connect is an innovative initiative that links classroom learning with experiential learning and real-world opportunities outside the classroom. The Carolina Leadership Initiative was established to help students develop leadership skills and prepare them to make a positive difference in their local communities, throughout South Carolina, the nation and the world.
Verzyl said the university's Gamecock Guarantee, which promises that undergraduate tuition and the technology fee will be covered for up to four years for students who meet the program's academic, financial and participation criteria, also is helping to keep the cost of a USC education manageable.
Selections were based on surveys of administrators and students at 650 colleges and universities. The selection criteria covered more than 30 factors in three areas: academics, cost of attendance and financial aid.
