NAICU - U-CAN Sample Opinion Piece

U-CAN Sample Opinion Piece

Better information for a better college choice

For most families in this country their largest investment, after buying a house, is financing the cost of college. Americans are willing to invest so much to attain a college education because of the remarkable difference in earning potential between people who have a degree and those who don't. It's a large investment, to be sure, and one that has the potential for significant, life-long returns. So families go to considerable lengths to decide where they should invest tuition dollars for each child's education.

U.S. News and World Report is a popular way for families to learn about colleges and universities. The magazine ranks more than 1,400 colleges and universities. Rankings are a way for prospective students and their parents to identify "best" schools by region and category. Using institutional categories--such as acceptance rate (lower is better), graduation rate (higher is better), average class size (smaller is better), and endowment (bigger is better)--U.S. News scores participating schools and ranks them from the best to the rest.

But there is another tool out there for parents and students called U-CAN (the University and College Accountability Network), which takes a different approach.

Designed by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (www.naicu.edu), U-CAN gives concise, Web-based, consumer-friendly information about private colleges and universities. There are no rankings or reputation surveys. And it's free.

U-CAN responds to growing concerns from consumers and elected officials about there being enough meaningful information to use in the college selection process. U-CAN includes some of the measures found in U.S. News, but it also includes other information that is fundamental to choosing the best school for you. It tells about internships, career and placement services, graduate school preparation, study abroad programs, student organizations, and community service opportunities. U-CAN puts all of this information into a common format that provides comparable data about many schools, all in one place, with links for additional information at each college or university Web site.

To stay attuned to consumer needs, NAICU listens closely to user feedback and is continually improving the site. In September 2008, U-CAN unveiled a new advanced search tool, with 17 options, making it one of the most searchable resources of its kind. The site also now provides guidance to consumer resources for planning for college, finding the best fit, and navigating the financial aid maze.

College is expensive. The families of this country deserve good information to help them make good decisions. U-CAN provides that information. It is a valuable new service to all of us.