The value proposition of New College becomes strikingly evident when assessing its return on investment, as recently highlighted by The Princeton Review's recognition of the institution among its "Best Value Colleges" for 2024. This accolade that I am particularly proud of underscores a comprehensive evaluation encompassing over 40 distinct metrics, where affordability is merely one facet among many.

New College distinguishes itself particularly in ROI compared to institutions throughout the Sunshine State. Notably, it stands out as the sole small liberal arts college listed, contrasting with large universities whose enrollments range from 45,000 to nearly 70,000. This unique positioning emphasizes New College as the best choice in Florida for those seeking a personalized liberal arts education with enduring impact.

Only one other Florida school ranked in the top 20, and all of the other five Florida entries are large universities with enrollments ranging from 45,000 to nearly 70,000. No private institutions in Florida made the cut, meaning students seeking a small liberal arts college experience with a big lifelong impact have just one choice in Florida: New College. 

Central to the New College experience are intimate class sizes, direct faculty engagement devoid of teaching assistants and a humanities-centric approach that fosters scholarly breadth across multiple disciplines. Such an education is designed to resonate throughout a lifetime, preparing students for immediate career success and sustained scholarly pursuits.

The resonance of New College’s academic rigor and faculty dedication is palpable in feedback gathered by The Princeton Review, where respondents highlight distinctive features such as narrative evaluations, mandatory undergraduate research initiatives and the honors thesis requirement. These elements collectively define the institution’s academic stature and differentiate it within the educational landscape.

Many students see the return on investment in awarding prestigious scholarships and fellowships. New College has produced 92 Fulbright Student Award recipients, the most in Florida. Our students routinely succeed in acquiring scholarship and grant funding for research projects worldwide.

We pride ourselves on preparing students for lives of great achievement, and many of our scholars continue their academic endeavors well beyond their undergraduate years. New College appears in the top 15 producers of doctorates as a percentage of its baccalaureate graduates over a 10-year period, while no other Florida college or university is in the top 100. 

The robust ROI offered at New College is not entirely separate from financial considerations. Public higher education in Florida maintains a focus on reasonable costs, especially for Florida residents. Need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships allow many of our graduates to leave with little or no student loan debt, a key factor in allowing our alumni to have multiple options between a swift start to graduate studies or embark on rewarding careers.

As New College continues to grow, marked by consecutive record-setting enrollments, it remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. This dedication ensures that future graduates will continue to benefit from the exceptional ROI that defines the New College experience. Not only will they achieve an amazing education, but they are already on their way to becoming great citizens.

Richard Corcoran is president of New College of Florida.