Best Values in Public Colleges

The decision to attend college is one of the most consequential in a young person's life, with factors such as academic programs, social life, and financial considerations all playing pivotal roles. As higher education costs continue to rise, the need for affordable, quality institutions is greater than ever. One of the resources that has helped students and families navigate this challenge is Kiplinger's Personal Finance rankings of the nation’s “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” This ranking identifies the top public universities that offer a combination of academic excellence, affordability, and financial value. According to the 2010 Kiplinger rankings, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) takes the top spot, followed by the University of Florida, with several other public institutions also making the prestigious list. The rankings provide valuable insights into schools that strike a balance between delivering high-quality education and keeping costs within reach.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which claimed the number one position in the 2010 Kiplinger’s rankings, is one of the most respected public universities in the nation. UNC Chapel Hill, a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in fields such as business, law, public health, and social sciences. The university has consistently been ranked among the best public universities in the United States due to its excellent faculty, research facilities, and diverse student body. Furthermore, it is known for its affordability, offering students from in-state backgrounds a relatively low tuition cost compared to other top-tier institutions. For out-of-state students, UNC Chapel Hill remains an excellent value when compared to private universities, due to its commitment to offering competitive financial aid packages. Its location in North Carolina, combined with the wide range of academic offerings and low-cost tuition for state residents, contributes to its ranking as the top “Best Value” public university in the 2010 Kiplinger rankings.

Hot on the heels of UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Florida (UF) ranks second in the 2010 Kiplinger rankings, securing a reputation as one of the best values in public higher education in the United States. As a major research university with a vast array of programs in various disciplines, UF attracts a diverse range of students who value its robust academic offerings and affordable tuition rates. UF is home to one of the largest public university systems in the country and offers competitive degrees in areas such as engineering, business, and health sciences. As with UNC Chapel Hill, UF’s relatively low in-state tuition makes it an appealing choice for Florida residents. For out-of-state students, UF’s combination of low tuition rates and strong financial aid offerings ensure that it remains an affordable option when compared to private institutions. The university’s strong academic performance, coupled with its financial accessibility, makes it one of the top public institutions in the country and a standout in the 2010 Kiplinger rankings.

In addition to the University of Florida, several other public universities from the state of Florida have earned top rankings in Kiplinger’s “Best Value” list. These include New College of Florida, which ranks 12th, Florida State University (FSU) at 17th, the University of Central Florida (UCF) at 36th, and the University of South Florida (USF) at 60th. Each of these institutions offers an excellent education at a relatively low cost, which contributes to their placement on the 2010 list. New College of Florida, a small public liberal arts college in Sarasota, is particularly known for its individualized academic experience and rigorous programs, especially in the humanities and social sciences. As a public institution with an emphasis on intellectual independence and research, New College offers a personalized education at an affordable price, making it a solid choice for Florida residents.

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rida State University, also ranked among the top 20 best values, is a comprehensive university known for its highly regarded programs in business, law, and the arts. The university’s location in Tallahassee, combined with its strong academic reputation and low tuition, makes it an appealing option for students who want a top-tier education without breaking the bank. The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, is another large public institution that ranks highly in terms of value. UCF is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in fields such as engineering, hospitality, and digital media. The university’s location in one of Florida’s largest metropolitan areas provides students with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and networking, which further enhances the value of a degree from UCF. Finally, the University of South Florida, located in Tampa, is another institution that offers excellent academic programs at an affordable price. USF has grown rapidly over the past few decades and is recognized for its strong performance in research, particularly in the fields of public health, engineering, and the natural sciences.

Outside of Florida, other states are represented on the list of best value public colleges, demonstrating that quality education is accessible across the country. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT Knoxville), ranks 58th in the Kiplinger list, climbing six spots from the previous year. UT Knoxville is a public research university with strong programs in areas such as business, engineering, and agriculture. As a flagship institution in the state, UT Knoxville serves as a beacon of academic excellence in Tennessee, offering affordable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university’s combination of low tuition rates, strong academic programs, and financial aid offerings makes it an attractive option for students in Tennessee and beyond.

Missouri, too, is represented with three public universities on the Kiplinger list: Truman State University, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla. Truman State, ranked 26th, is a public liberal arts college known for its high academic standards and strong focus on undergraduate education. Truman State offers a close-knit academic community and a rigorous education at an affordable price, making it a top choice for Missouri residents seeking a high-value public education. The University of Missouri-Columbia, ranked 57th, is the flagship institution in the state, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its research capabilities and strong professional programs, the University of Missouri-Columbia provides an affordable option for students interested in fields such as journalism, law, and business. Missouri University of Science and Technology at Rolla, ranked 94th, is a smaller institution specializing in engineering and applied sciences. It offers an outstanding education in technical fields, with an emphasis on preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Illinois is represented by two public universities in the Kiplinger rankings: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, ranked 45th, and Illinois State University at Normal, ranked 89th. The University of Illinois is a major research university with a broad array of academic offerings and strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. Illinois State University, located in Normal, is a regional university with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. Illinois State offers an affordable, high-quality education, particularly in fields such as education, business, and the arts.

The Kiplinger rankings provide a valuable resource for students and families seeking to make an informed decision about their higher education options. The rankings take into account a variety of factors, including tuition, financial aid, and the overall academic quality of the institutions. As such, they offer a comprehensive view of colleges and universities that provide both high-quality education and financial value. The schools listed in the 2010 Kiplinger rankings demonstrate that students can receive an excellent education without accumulating overwhelming debt. Whether students are looking for a large research university, a small liberal arts college, or a specialized technical institution, the rankings highlight a range of options that offer both affordability and academic excellence. As college costs continue to rise, these rankings serve as a helpful guide for those seeking the best value in public higher education.

Best Values in Public Colleges for 2010 (Top 20 list):
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2. University of Florida
3. University of Virginia
4. College of William and Mary (Va.)
5. Binghamton University (SUNY)
6. University of Georgia
7. University of Washington
8. University of Maryland, College Park
9. SUNY Geneseo
10. North Carolina State University
11. University of California, San Diego
12. New College of Florida
13. University of California, Los Angeles
14. University of Wisconsin–Madison
15. Georgia Institute of Technology
16. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ.
17. Florida State University
18. University of California, Berkeley
19. University of Michigan
20. University of California, Irvine

Source: Kiplinger's Personal Finance