SLU and Clarkson named among best in Northeast by Princeton Review

St. Lawrence University, Canton, and Clarkson University, Potsdam, have been named to the Princeton Review's “Best in the Northeast” section of its “2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region” rankings.

St. Lawrence is one of 220 undergraduate institutions in the Northeast and one of 629 institutions total named in the rankings, which were released Monday. According to Macreena A. Doyle, college spokeswoman, the college frequently appears in one or more of the Princeton Review's annual rankings, of which there are several dozen.

“We have been in the Best Colleges edition for many, many years. We have been traditionally in the Best Colleges in the Northeast as well,” Ms. Doyle said. “Which lists we are on varies year to year. It's always kind of interesting to see where various schools wind up and on what lists.”

Clarkson is also on the list of best colleges in the Northeast, spokesman Michael P. Griffin said.

“We're there most years. Outstanding academics is their primary criteria,” he said. “We also got a high green rating from them.”

The colleges on the “Region by Region” list includes institutions that met the Princeton Review's standards and were able to survey their students anonymously. The list was compiled through student feedback as well as campus visits by the Princeton Review and comments from college staff and faculty members.

St. Lawrence's inclusion on the list was based specifically on data collected in eight categories, including admissions selectivity, quality of life, financial aid and environmental policies and practices. According to Ms. Doyle, a key reason for St. Lawrence's inclusion is the college's excellent academic profile and positive student feedback.

“They do look at what students think about the academics: Do they have access to professors? Are their professors good teachers? Do they have access to the courses they want? We do very, very well in those things,” Ms. Doyle said. “We also do very well in student life. Students love the facilities, but they also love the programming.”

St. Lawrence also was included on the Princeton Review's list of the nation's best collegiate athletic facilities, ranking 18th out of 25 institutions listed. Comments about the college on the Review's website stated that “students at St. Lawrence love their professors,” and “students rave about small class sizes.”

“The University provides unmatched access to social and cultural opportunities, international government and outdoor recreation,” said the Princeton Review in its summary of St. Lawrence.

Inclusion on the list is an achievement, but does not beat out Clarkson's personal touches, Mr. Griffin said.

“It's always nice to be recognized,” he said. “We love being in the book but we always say the best way to get to know us is to visit.”