sealPurdue News
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September 9, 2002

Guide rates Purdue best in value, career services

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – When it comes to finding a good value for a college education and a place where students can best prepare for their careers, Purdue University makes the grade, according to a guide released this summer.

The 2003 edition of Kaplan's "The Unofficial, Unbiased Insider's Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges" listed Purdue as one of the nation's best in career services and best in value.

"The Kaplan list reaffirms that Purdue not only educates students, but is successful in guiding them toward careers," said Tim Luzader, director of the university's Center for Career Opportunities. "This is great evidence how successful the career services are in assisting students in finding careers, even in difficult job markets."

Purdue was among 35 institutions, including Big Ten counterparts, Michigan State University, Ohio State University and Penn State University, listed as offering the best career services. The results were tabulated based on Kaplan's national survey of randomly selected high school guidance counselors. The schools in this category were recognized for their excellent career centers, internship opportunities and co-op programs.

Best value was determined by guidance counselors by weighing the quality of education versus the cost. Purdue is recognized for its large-sized college with a small-sized feel, and its standout majors in agriculture and engineering. Purdue is one of 41 schools in the best value category, which also includes the University of Notre Dame and Big Ten members Penn State University, University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University.

"No matter which major you choose, you can expect a good deal of work in exchange for putting Purdue's respected brand name on your resume," wrote the guide's authors.

The book contains a profile on Purdue, as well as other lists, such as best freshman housing, hot and trendy, and parties and pranks "Animal House" schools. The book, published by Simon & Schuster, is often found in high school guidance counselors' offices, and is a known source for college-bound high school juniors and seniors.

Writer: Amy Patterson-Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Tim Luzader, (765) 494-3985, tluzader@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu


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