[body photo omitted] Calvin College is one of just seven Michigan colleges and universities named to just-released 2002 edition of . In addition, Calvin is the only state school named to the Guide's "Best Buy" list.

The Fiske Guide to Colleges is in its 18th year and is widely considered one of the best college guides around. Former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske selects just 300 colleges and universities to profile each year, just 10 percent of the nation's private and public colleges and universities.

Calvin is joined in the 2002 Fiske Guide by Alma, Albion, Hope, Kalamazoo, Michigan State and the University of Michigan. The guide cites Calvin's strong academic reputation, noting "Calvin graduates have few problems getting accepted to graduate schools of law, medicine, or business."

The guide also cites Calvin as one of 43 "Best Buy" institutions across the country, colleges and universities that "offer remarkable educational opportunities at a relatively modest cost."

For 2001-2002 Calvin's tuition will be $14,870, while room and board will be $5,180. Calvin will award over $15 million in financial aid in 2001-2002 with 90 percent of the student body receiving some form of financial aid. In fact, the average need-based award at Calvin next year will be over $11,000. Calvin's tuition and room and board charges are well below the national average for four-year private colleges.

The Fiske Guide accolades mark the second time this month that the school has been so honored. Earlier this month Calvin was named to the Kaplan/Newsweek College Guide. That guide praised Calvin for its "high level of individual attention from the faculty" and called the school a "hidden treasure."

Founded in 1876 in Grand Rapids, Calvin celebrated its 125th anniversary this past school year. Calvin last year had some 4,300 students, representing over 40 countries from around the world. About half of the U.S. students are from Michigan and about half represent nearly every other U.S. state. At Calvin those students can choose from almost 100 academic programs, including such recently added majors and minors as Biotechnology, Archaeology and Asian Studies.

Calvin describes itself as "a comprehensive liberal arts college in the Reformed tradition of historic Christianity," adding: "Through our learning, we seek to be agents of renewal in the academy, church, and society. We pledge fidelity to Jesus Christ, offering our hearts and lives to do God's work in God's world."