Demonstrating exceptional value.
Dear Students and Colleagues,
An interesting and timely piece of analysis came across my desk recently. It compared the demonstrated value – or return on investment – of a Utica University education with that of the private institutions we most commonly compete with for students. After reviewing graduate earnings and cost of attendance based on data from the U.S. Department of Education Earnings Data Report and College Scorecard, the authors determined that Utica University ranks among the very highest in its class.
Whether college, in general, is worth the investment is currently under debate. In the face of growing public skepticism about the cost and benefits of college compared to other postsecondary pathways, we – like every other college and university – are increasingly compelled to talk about the ROI of higher education. I firmly believe that we are on solid ground in doing so. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that a university education is well worth the cost of attendance, including most notably a recent survey by the Art and Science Group that found that eight out 10 parents believe their children’s college education is a worthy investment.
As another graduating class prepares to embark on the next stage of their lives, it’s only appropriate that we should ask ourselves if we did well by them. I think the answer is clear – there is great value in a Utica University education because we deliver on the promise we make to students that their investment will put them on a path to rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. What’s more, we do this at a cost they can afford, so that they will not be unduly burdened by educational debt in the years ahead.
I don’t want to downplay the significance of this ROI analysis; neither do I want to cast it as a sort of be-all and end-all. We know that the measure of our work with students isn’t limited to earnings and economic mobility. While those are extraordinarily important when assessing outcomes, so too is the intellectual and personal growth students experience through their exploration of knowledge and their engagement with the world both inside and outside of the classroom. The exceptional work that we’re doing in both areas will continue to pay dividends moving forward.
I’m grateful to share news of the good work we’re doing here in every facet of the University’s activities and operations. Just a friendly reminder that Commencement is only two weeks away. Buckle up, Pioneers!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Nesbitt
President