We’re pleased to announce that the Washington Monthly has been awarded the 2013 first prize in the small newsroom/data journalism category by the Education Writers Association for our College Rankings issue. Here’s what the judges had to say:

College rankings by themselves are subjective, determined by an organization’s decision on what to include. In this case, Washington Monthly provides good transparency in explaining the measures it included in its ranking and why it provides a more accurate picture of American higher education.

Washington Monthly has come up with higher-ed ratings for everyman, those who see past prestige to value. Who knew a college education of quality could be found for less than $1000/year at a school named Berea? The methodology for several categories is clearly mapped out, though many would find grounds for debate on how to weigh the various categories. A refreshing and insightful method of evaluating this level of education.

Congrats to everyone involved in the 2013 College Guide for another job well done.

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Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.