July 2, 2002

Boise State Listed Among Best Colleges for the Real World

Boise State University has been listed in the new edition of Great Colleges for the Real World.

Designed as a guide for prospective students, the publication features more than 200 colleges that "attempt to deliver what students want" and that "feature programs that offer a tangible return on investment in the form of a job or career path."

"Our inclusion in the guide speaks to the array of internships, service learning, part-time work and job opportunities our students enjoy because of our location in one of the nation's most dynamic regions," said President Charles Ruch.

"Boise State's proximity to Idaho's center of government, business and high technology provides our students with a real world laboratory where they can put into practice what they learn in the classroom," he added.

Among the factors author Michael Viollt used to evaluate colleges were the population of surrounding cities, job placement, non-traditional student programs, diversity of student body and number of majors in applied fields.

"Today's student is more likely to be a financially independent working adult balancing college with family, social activities, work and other responsibilities. They are a different type of student with different goals than past generations. This has led to a need for change in the criteria used for selecting a college," Viollt wrote.

In the guide Viollt advises students to look for universities in cities that can provide opportunities. "A metropolitan area will provide the most volunteer, cooperative, internship, externship and permanent job placement opportunities," he wrote.

The book is available for $18 from Octameron Associates at www.ThinkTuition.com.