Source: http://www.bestvalueschools.com/up-and-coming-universities-best-roi/

Top 20 Ranked Up and Coming Universities With the Best Return on Investment (ROI) 2014

When
deciding where to invest money and time toward a college education, it
may be wise to search beyond institutions that are already household
names and consider those that are ranked among the best up and coming
universities. By not getting hung up on the prestige of a school’s name
and the longevity of their reputation, you may find that “up and coming”
universities embrace more relevant priorities that are not so steeped
in tradition, and often at a cheaper price.


It is common knowledge which universities are considered the cream of
the crop. Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT; the list goes on.
Those well established schools are significant now, but what about in
the future? Competition, resources, technology, and teaching methodology
are all evolving to meet new needs in the U.S. and there is another
list of schools consisting of America’s up and coming universities that
should be considered. Those universities are the focus of this article.

Ranking Methodology

Value and earning potential are
gaining more of a spotlight every year as students look for ways to
maximize their investment. This list consists of the top 20 up and
coming universities according to U.S. News and World Report.
The schools were selected by surveying peers in the world of higher
education, and singled out for innovation, improvement of facilities,
and other major factors.


While we selected schools for this list based on their inclusion in
U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of up and coming universities, we
recognize that students need more information to make optimal choices
when choosing a university. So we ranked the schools here by their 30
year net return on investment according to Payscale.com’s ROI data.
This list gives you the best of both worlds: the twenty schools most on
the rise in the U.S. and key financial data to help you make the best
decision possible.

Ranking the Best Up and Coming Universities Based on ROI

#20. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis: Indianapolis, Indiana

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Indiana boasts the only state university system with two schools
among the top ten up and coming universities in the United States. While
the ROI of this school is lower than its sister school mentioned later
on in this list, the school itself is actually ranked higher among up
and coming universities. This is encouraging and it is often the case
that as schools improve, the ROI is dramatically impacted. IUPUI is
counted among national universities by U.S. News, though its rank is
not published. That could change as long as the school keeps on its
current track.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News:#5


30 Year Average Net ROI: $487,800


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#19. Portland State University: Portland, Oregon

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This school’s rank among up and coming universities is tied to the
growth of the number of academic programs offered and a new emphasis on
conducting major research. Portland State University offers
many service learning opportunities, and part of the school’s
philosophy is to tie its rigorous academic excellence to real world
situations that will allow students to experience new things and gain
perspective.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #10


30 Year Average Net ROI: $513,900


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#18. University of Central Florida: Orlando, Florida

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The University of Central Florida’s ranking among national
universities and national public universities by U.S. News and World
Report both jumped four slots this year. The school is undeniably
growing in positive ways. The climb is consistent as the University of Central Florida
has advanced in the rankings every year for the past four years. The
school has long been considered by major publications to be one of the
best values in higher education, and the fact that it continues to
receive those accolades is very encouraging.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $533,700


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#17. Georgia State University: Atlanta, Georgia

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Not only has Georgia State University
been recognized as an up and coming institution, but it is considered
one of the most diverse campuses in the United States, ranked 12th for
diversity. One of the primary goals of the school has been to increase
the one to one attention received by each student. From faculty
mentorship to peer tutoring, GSU is committed to bolstering the
student’s academic experience and opportunity without significantly
increasing the cost of education.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $536,400


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#16. University of Vermont: Burlington, Vermont

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With over 100 majors to choose from, a list that is growing every year as the school adds new programs in emerging fields, the University of Vermont
is committed to growth in all arenas. Even in this economy, which is
difficult for new college graduates, 85% of graduates from UV express
satisfaction with their job one year after graduation. The school has a
long historical tradition of academic excellence and its campus is rich
with history.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $568,800


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#15. University of Denver: Denver, Colorado

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Denver University has risen in the last couple of years from #13 to
#10 among top up and coming universities. The university states that the
reason for its advanced ranking is the school’s commitment to
innovation, pursuing new and interesting methods, adding new academic
programs, and more. The school has been home to many significant events,
playing host to one of the 2012 Presidential debates. The University of Denver
anticipates continued growth in both the quality of its programs and
facilities, which is the primary reason for its advancement in the
rankings of up and coming universities.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #10


30 Year Average Net ROI: $637,900


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#14. University of Cincinnati

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The University of Cincinnati
is ranked 3rd among up and coming universities by U.S. News, and is
hard at work developing innovative programs and emphasizing experiential
learning (gaining recognition as one of the best schools for finding a
strong internship in the U.S.). Other contributing factors in the
university’s upward movement are increased graduation rates and
increased freshman retention. The school has also been able to improve
financial aid and expand their facilities due to successful new
fundraising efforts.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #3


30 Year Average Net ROI: $673,800


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#13. San Diego State University: San Diego, California

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Upward momentum isn’t just signified by San Diego State’s rank among
the country’s up and coming universities. Since 2011, the university has
improved its rank among national universities from #183 to #152. This
is a result of the school’s growing reputation in the business community
(with a highly ranked international business program) and in the
academic community at large. The strong ROI isn’t the only financial
reason to consider SDSU.
The school was also named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the
20 schools from which students graduate with the least amount of debt.
44% graduate with no debt at all.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $683,900


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#12. Arizona State University-Tempe: Tempe, Arizona

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ASU is growing, and so is its reputation as a top academic
institution. The school’s growth and innovation are evident in its
emphasis on student entrepreneurship, community partnerships, increasing
student services, and the fact that the school is continuously adding
academic programs in emerging fields. If you are interested in an
emerging field, Arizona State University
one of the best schools to investigate as they are often among the
first to offer new programs designed to educate a new generation of
professionals for new industries.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #2


30 Year Average Net ROI: $752,000


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#11. Marquette University: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This school’s new vision is committed to raising its already strong profile. Marquette University
is offering more financial aid, expanding their facilities, and
striving to achieve “high research activity,” which would put it on the
path to becoming one of the most prominent Roman Catholic research
universities in the world. The university, already socially active as
dictated by the Jesuit tradition of social justice, also seeks to become
even more involved in the community on the local, national, and
international levels.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $768,900


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#10. Northeastern University: Boston, Massachusetts

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Northeastern University’s national ranking has been steadily
advancing over the course of the last six years. In 2007 the school was
ranked #98, and just six years later the ranking had steadily improved
to #56. Northeastern University
is now ranked #49 in the United States among national universities by
U.S. News for the year 2014. The school’s advancement in the national
rankings, combined with its high rank as an up and coming school, is
indicative of the university’s commitment to academic innovation and the
overall improvement of its facilities and programs.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #3


30 Year Average Net ROI: $771,600


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#9. Boston University: Boston, Massachusetts

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One of the primary focuses at BU is innovation. Whether in the
entrepreneurship program or engineering, innovation is a big deal. This
is because the school as a whole seeks to provide students with an
education that will enable them to change things regardless of their
industry. Boston University
models this focus by offering innovative courses, and an innovative
take on old subjects, all while staying grounded in a strong academic
tradition.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $799,000


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#8. North Carolina State University-Raleigh: Raleigh, North Carolina

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In addition to being ranked among the top ten up and coming universities by U.S. News, NC State Raleigh
is also located in one of the ten up and coming cities for
entrepreneurs according to Forbes. This is especially encouraging to
undergraduate students studying in an area conducive to
entrepreneurship, the sciences, engineering, and, of course, business.
The school’s reputation, along with the city’s is growing as the school
adds more programs, partners, and facilities.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #8


30 Year Average Net ROI: $832,600


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#7. George Mason University: Fairfax, Virginia

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In the five years since the “up and coming” category was introduced, George Mason University
has been solidly in the top ten. The school has been growing in all
major areas: residential enrollment, construction of new facilities (on
which the school has spent $700 million since 2009) including research
laboratories, developing the school’s academic partnership with the
Smithsonian, and an increased focus on undergraduate research.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #6


30 Year Average Net ROI: $857,400


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#6. Clemson University: Clemson, South Carolina

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This school has a reputation for innovation and one of the ways Clemson University
has been innovating and growing is in its involvement of undergraduate
students in major research and development projects. Undergraduate
students in engineering (mechanical, computer, and electrical) and
physics are routinely involved in designing and constructing advanced
equipment that is used by NASA and other agencies.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #8


30 Year Average Net ROI: $872,700


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#5. University of Southern California: Los Angeles, California

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USC is ranked as
the 23rd best university by U.S. News and its ranking as an up and
coming university is encouraging. Many of the top universities don’t
make the up and coming list, as they aren’t innovating as much
academically or growing their facilities as rapidly as the schools that
make the list. USC’s high ranking on both lists means students will take
part in a thriving academic culture that continues to evolve and is
already highly regarded.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #10


30 Year Average Net ROI: $885,300


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#4. University of Maryland-Baltimore County: Baltimore Maryland

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One of the biggest innovations at the University of Maryland–Baltimore County
is its heightened focus on undergraduate teaching. It’s easy for
undergraduates at many of the best schools to feel overlooked as the
schools focus more on graduate education and high level research.
Schools with high ratings of undergraduate teaching focus on making the
undergraduate academic experience more rewarding, and are more attentive
to their undergraduates.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #1


30 Year Average Net ROI: $930,200


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#3. Purdue University-West Lafayette: West Lafayette, Indiana

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Purdue is constantly growing, both in size, and the extent of its
facilities. The school focuses on innovation in the classroom and
innovation in what kinds of programs it offers. This innovation leads to
a growth in the number of programs available as new programs in
emerging fields are added to the catalogue. These are some of the
primary reasons Purdue University-West Lafayette is considered one of the top up and coming universities in the United States.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #10


30 Year Average Net ROI: $935,000


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#2. Drexel University: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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It’s easy to see why Drexel University
has been on the “Up and Coming” list for a few years. The school has
been growing by leaps and bounds, innovating and growing its facilities
and academics. The school has been developing a strong online and hybrid
program consistent with its philosophy of always being on the cutting
edge of education. Online education was just the next logical step for
Drexel, the very first university to require students to have computer
access.


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #7


30 Year Average Net ROI: $1.02 Million


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#1. Carnegie Mellon University: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Carnegie Mellon University
is located in the heart of Pittsburgh, one of the biggest industrial
centers in the United States. The school may not be ranked very high in
the “up and coming” category, but that’s partial because it has always
been one of the most innovative universities in the country. The school
is a hub for students interested in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics, and continues to offer programs at the graduate and
undergraduate levels that explore new facets of established subjects.
Carnegie Mellon also appears on our list of the Top 25 Ranked Engineering Programs with the Best Return on Investment (ROI).


Up and Coming Rank by U.S. News: #14


30 Year Average Net ROI: $1.22 Million





After researching this list of the top ranked up and coming
universities with the best return on investment, you will be able to
make a decision about your college education that will help you make the
most of your most important investment.

Top 20 Ranked Up and Coming Universities With the Best Return on Investment (ROI) 2014