TCNJ

5 WINTER 2026 When bestselling higher education author Jeffrey Selingo set out to write a book about what makes a college someone's dream school, he wanted students and families who were going through the search process to consider schools "beyond the small group that sucks up all the attention." In other words, look deeper than the big names. " As one of only eight public colleges with a four-year graduation rate above 75%, TCNJ is in the company of institutions such as the University of Virginia, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill," writes Selingo. His latest book, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, lists 75 schools that are recognized for a number of factors, including affordability, student engagement, and pathways to careers. And in what is no surprise to us, TCNJ is on his list. Honored in Selingo's "Breakout Regional" category, TCNJ is noted for its balance of excellence with accessibility. Selingo points to the college's high freshman retention rate, small student-faculty ratio, and abundant undergraduate research opportunities. But the real standout is that "as one of only eight public colleges with a four-year graduation rate above 75%, TCNJ is in the company of institutions such as the University of Virginia, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill," writes Selingo. "Jeffrey Selingo's holistic approach to compiling this list emphasizes all aspects of the college experience, and we're proud that TCNJ is recognized for our efforts across so many of these key areas," says TCNJ President Michael Bernstein. To craft his dream school list, Selingo spoke with more than 3,000 families about the pressures they felt in helping their students choose the right college, and where those pressures came from. He found that families were often more concerned about what a college choice might signal to others rather than about the opportunities a school could provide that would best fit their student. "We approach the college search as if there is a dream school, a single choice, a perfect match for us. There isn't," he writes. Well, except for one: TCNJ. — Kara Pothier PRAIRIE W I N T E R 2 0 2 6 Living the dream TCNJ lands on list of top schools to consider TELL US YOUR DREAM SCHOOL STORY What experiences or opportunities at TCNJ set you up for future success? Share your story at magazine@tcnj.edu. ANTHONY DePRIMO

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