Mesalands named the fifth most affordable community college in the nation

October 25, 2017

Mesalands Community College was recently ranked fifth among the “50 Most Affordable Community Colleges” in the nation, according to AffordableColleges.com. AffordableColleges.com evaluated the institution’s financial metrics, student success metrics, and program metrics, to serve as reliable indicators of quality, affordability, and student success.

For this study, AffordableColleges.com used the most recent data available from the U.S Department of Education’s Integrated Post-secondary Education Data System (IPEDS). IPEDS offers reliable and accurate insight into affordability, academic pedigree, and online/distance learning programs

The unique formula AffordabaleColleges.com used in their ranking system, was based upon the metrics and eleven specific data points. The financial metrics include: tuition cost, number of students receiving financial aid, net price, and the loan default rate among graduates. The student success metrics include: student enrollment rate, full-time retention rate, graduation rate, and student-to-faculty ratio. Lastly, the program metrics include: the number of online programs an institution offers and the percentage of students taking at least one online course.

In the study, Mesalands Community College had a value score of 7.98 out of 10. The number one most affordable community college on the list was Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, with a score of 8.07. Mesalands also has an average tuition of $1,200, with the cost of in-state tuition at $55 per credit hour, and out-of-state at $99 per credit hour. Also, 98 percent of full-time, first-time degree/certificate seeking students at Mesalands, receive financial aid. The College’s full-time retention rate is 60 percent, which is similar to the top four institutions included in the list. Mesalands also reported a 44 percent graduation rate, which was higher than the top four institutions.

“Mesalands Community College is honored to be included in this distinguished list. We strive to provide an affordable quality education for our students,” said Dr. Thomas W. Newsom, President of Mesalands. “We will continue to provide a variety of services for our students, that will help them succeed now and in the future.”

To view the article, visit: http://www.affordablecolleges.com/rankings/community-colleges/