Brookings releases value-added rankings for colleges

THE BROOKINGS METROPOLITAN POLICY PROGRAM calculated the
THE BROOKINGS METROPOLITAN POLICY PROGRAM calculated the "value-added" for two-and four-year colleges. In the top spots were California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. / COURTESY BROOKINGS METROPOLITAN POLICY PROGRAM

PROVIDENCE – Data released Wednesday for two- and four-year colleges and universities by the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program assesses the economic impact of college by creating “value-added” rankings.
The report, “Beyond College Rankings: A Value-Added Approach to Assessing Two- and Four-Year Schools,” analyzes economic outcomes for graduates. Value-added means the difference between a college’s predicted and actual student outcomes.
Also, a value-added score of zero means the college’s alumni perform no better or worse than average college alumni from schools that grant degrees at similar awards levels to students with similar test scores and demographic characteristics.
California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology were the top two four-year universities on the list for adding the most value to student earnings potential. They each received scores of 100 – the highest – for midcareer earnings potential. Occupational earnings power, a measure of career prospects, was 100 and 99, respectively, and student loan repayment within three years after enrollment was 91 and 99, respectively.

“The data contained in this report can provide a starting point for investigating a college’s strengths and weaknesses with respect to career preparation … Students need to consider likely economic outcomes against the cost of attendance, scholarship opportunities, the availability of degree programs, and other personal factors,” the report states.
Two- and four-year colleges were evaluated for the report, which stated that typical bachelor’s degree holders earn $580,000 more and associate’s degree holders earn $245,000 more over the course of their careers compared with individuals who only have a high school diploma.
Brown University ranked highest among Rhode Island colleges and universities on the list with 97 for midcareer earnings, 86 for occupational earnings power and 98 for student loan repayment.
Data for other local colleges and universities is as follows:

  • Bryant University: 82 for midcareer earnings, 77 for occupational earnings power and 93 for student loan repayment.
  • Johnson & Wales University: 28, 6, 19
  • Providence College: n/a, n/a, 86
  • Rhode Island College: 32, 27, 35
  • Rhode Island School of Design: 60, 34, 91
  • Roger Williams University: 38, 75, 78
  • Salve Regina University: 32, 29, 63
  • University of Rhode Island: 63, 61, 53
  • University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth: 84, 85, 32

The Community College of Rhode Island also was included and received the following scores: 94 for midcareer earnings, 61 for occupational earnings power and 88 for student loan repayment.

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