August 5, 2011

The environment ranks right up there with reading and writing for some prospective college students who want more than just a degree. For some, the overall sustainability of a college campus is a factor in deciding where to attend school. The Princeton Review helps narrow down the choices with its annual Green Ratings of colleges.

The green ratings appear on the profiles of the 768 colleges that were ranked in the “Best Colleges-2012 Edition”. Colleges and universities were ranked on a scale of 60 to 99 based on a healthy and sustainable quality of life on campus, the school’s overall commitment to environmental issues and how well the school is preparing students for the world’s environmental challenges.

The Princeton Review gave special honor to the 16 schools that received a green rating of 99 in its Green College Honor Roll. The top green rated schools include American University in Washington, D.C., Virginia Tech, Harvard College, Oregon State University, University of Washington and Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.

Princeton Review VP Robert Franek says there is a growing number of students looking for a green college. A recent survey by the group found 69 percent of college applicants said having information about a college’s commitment to the environment would impact their decision to apply or attend the school.