Education Stocks Rise to Head of the Class

With the economy in a freefall, we've already read articles listing products and services consumers are most reluctant to relinquish: G3 cell-phone service, Botox injections and premium cable channels. TheStreet.com Ratings' stock-evaluation model has identified a more encouraging item: education.

Only three stocks enjoy the highest possible grade of A-plus from TheStreet.com Ratings' quantitative model, which evaluates a company's valuation metrics, current financial situation and analysts' expectations of future growth. Two of the A-plus stocks -- DeVry(DV Quote) and Strayer Education(STRA Quote) -- are in the field of adult education.

Americans are doing more than worrying about downsizings and how to survive on unemployment compensation. They are signing up for online and classroom programs to enhance their economic marketability. ...