LIT named one of 100 Best Community Colleges in America, as cited by Newsweek Magazine

5/27/2021

BEAUMONT – In a story picked up by Newsweek Magazine in its May 17, 2021 issue, LIT was ranked 70 out of 100 Best Community Colleges in the U.S., according to Stacker.com.

Stacker administers a newswire service for local and national news partners including “Newsweek, MSN, Hearst Newspapers and more,” its website said. The company combines data analysis with editorial context, “drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.“

For LIT, accolades for 2021 have been surging rapidly, with this being the third national honor bestowed on the Institute in two weeks. LIT was also ranked #15 nationally for the Most Affordable Technical & Trade Schools for 2021 by College Consensus, and #11 out of 14 for accredited colleges with online associate degree programs for Homeland Security in 2021 by Best Value Schools.

LIT President Dr. Lonnie L. Howard was ecstatic to hear the news. “Following our record-breaking Spring 2021 graduation numbers and other amazing honors, this news is beyond special. We take great pride in the accolades our students bring to our school while contributing to business and industry in our community.”

Stacker’s article cited cost as a key factor for students choosing a two-year college over a traditional four-year program. The website said, “Student Loan Hero reports that the average cost per-credit for a two-year public school is $135, compared to $324.70 for a four-year public school.” Less costly coursework may place a lesser burden on students to hurry and settle on a career path that might be less than ideal, the article suggested.

Stacker also attributed the award’s popularity to an obvious shift in public opinion about two-year, as opposed to four-year schools: “Community colleges allow for flexibility in ways traditional schools may not: Students who work full-time can attend school part-time. Whether it's to save money or experiment with career choices, community colleges not only serve as an alternative but also a gateway to four-year universities.”

To read more, visit The 100 Best Community Colleges in America (newsweek.com). LIT is currently enrolling for Summer and Fall 2021 semesters at lit.edu/go.