St. Olaf's ‘Outcomes’ initiative attracts attention of Hechinger Report

The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization focused on producing in-depth education journalism, notes that St. Olaf College is leading the way in providing a new level of candor about the value of a college education.

“Concerns about the economy, employment, and the role of liberal arts colleges fueled St. Olaf’s decision to publish detailed employment and salary data beginning in 2012 — to the applause of applicants and alumni,” The Hechinger Reportnotes.

What St. Olaf shares on its Outcomes page, which outlines the return on investing in a St. Olaf education, “goes way beyond other colleges,’’ President David R. Anderson ’74 tells the news site, adding that he hopes more “will be equally transparent.”

The Hechinger Report says “this new level of candor sounds like an answer to growing concerns of parents, politicians, and foundations concerned about the value for money of a higher education — and of students worried about finding jobs and repaying college loans.”