College Factual Launches Outcomes-Focused Approach to the College Selection Process

ALBANY, N.Y., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- College Factual (www.collegefactual.com)—a new site that uses outcomes-based data to guide students through the college selection process—is transforming college rankings by providing the tools to generate personalized best college lists.  Based on individual preferences and criteria, the result is a unique ranking of colleges according to each student's interests and the issues that matter most to them.

"Choosing the right college is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Yet most prominent college rankings systems, guidebooks and information providers treat it as such," said Bill Phelan, CEO of College Factual.  "By delivering sought-after data, as well as the tools to evaluate and compare various criteria, College Factual empowers students and parents to take control of the college selection process in a much more personal and meaningful way."

Unlike other college ranking systems, College Factual serves as a decision-making hub throughout the entire college search process, sharing outcomes-based data such as average student loan debt per student and default rates; how well colleges retain and graduate students; graduates' starting salaries and earning potential; and return on investment based on cost of a degree.

"As highlighted by President Obama last week, an increased understanding of value-based factors such as these is crucial for families when deciding on a college," said Phelan. "By making this data more accessible and providing the tools for customizable comparisons, College Factual is a force for change, empowering consumers to find great value and achieve great outcomes."

College Factual puts the college decision-making process in the hands of students and parents and not those of the institutions or national publications. In addition to personalized rankings, the site features innovative tools such as its College Combat comparison—which allows students to compare institutions side-by-side on a variety of factors. By allowing students to share what's important to them, College Factual grades each school on relevant, real-life factors ranging from value for your money to academic life to diversity.

"College rankings lists are a dime a dozen and often rely on data that provides limited value to prospective students and parents, ignoring the costs of education," said Phelan. "There is no way to compile a definitive ranked list of colleges and universities. However we have developed a customizable tool that allows for the creation of personalized rankings that indicate value based on what's important to individual users."

College Factual's rankings system is based on a series of algorithms that include information from the Department of Education, nationally mandated data reporting for institutions and PayScale.

For additional information visit www.collegefactual.com.

SOURCE College Factual