Best Values in Public Colleges - UNC Chapel Hill ranked Top

In the 2011-2012 academic year, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance once again published its prestigious rankings of “Best Values” among the top 100 public colleges in the United States. For the 11th consecutive year, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) claimed the top spot as the best value among public colleges and universities, both for in-state and out-of-state students. This long-standing achievement reflects the university’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for prospective students nationwide. However, UNC Chapel Hill is not the only institution to receive recognition for its affordability and academic excellence. A number of other universities also earned high rankings for offering significant value to their students in terms of both education and financial accessibility.

One such institution is Texas A&M University, ranked 21st on the Kiplinger list of “Best Values” among public colleges. Texas A&M is one of only three Texas universities to be included in the top 100 this year, alongside the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Dallas. As one of the largest public universities in the nation, Texas A&M provides students with access to a wide array of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities, all while maintaining relatively low tuition costs compared to many other institutions of its size and reputation. The university’s commitment to affordability is particularly evident in its financial aid offerings, which help ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds can afford to attend and graduate without incurring excessive debt.

Texas A&M’s ranking of 21st in the Kiplinger’s “Best Value” list is a reflection of the institution’s ability to combine strong academic programs with reasonable costs. It provides a high return on investment for its students, particularly when considering the range of career opportunities available to graduates of the university. By focusing on both academic quality and affordability, Texas A&M ensures that its students are well-prepared for success in their careers while minimizing the financial burden of attending college.

Another notable institution on the Kiplinger’s list is the University of Minnesota, Morris, which, alongside the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, was the only Minnesota institution to be included in the “Best Values” list. The University of Minnesota, Morris stands out not only for its affordability but also for its strong academic offerings and personalized educational experience. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, Morris offers a more intimate learning environment compared to larger universities, allowing students to receive individualized attention from their professors and engage in meaningful academic discussions.

The total cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota, Morris for the 2011–12 academic year is $19,212 for both in-state and out-of-state students, which is highly affordable considering the quality of education provided. Approximately 90% of students at Morris receive some form of financial aid, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those who wish to pursue a degree. The combination of low tuition, high financial aid accessibility, and strong academic programs make the University of Minnesota, Morris an excellent choice for students seeking a high-value education without the financial burden often associated with larger, more expensive institutions.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville also received recognition in the 2011-2012 Kiplinger rankings, as it was the only public university in Tennessee to make the top 100 list. Ranked highly for its affordability and academic quality, the University of Tennessee’s financial aid programs have grown increasingly generous in recent years. In 2011, the university allocated 45% of its scholarships based on financial need, up from 31% the previous year. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to making education more accessible for students from all economic backgrounds.

The University of Tennessee offers a wide variety of academic programs, a strong faculty, and a vibrant campus community, all at a relatively low cost. It provides a solid return on investment for students, particularly in light of its financial aid offerings. For students who are concerned about the rising costs of education, the University of Tennessee represents a compelling option, combining strong academic programs with a commitment to making education affordable for all students.

Salisbury University, located in Maryland, was also included in the Kiplinger rankings, coming in at 71st overall. Salisbury is the second-highest-ranked campus in the University System of Maryland, just behind the University of Maryland, College Park. The university offers a high-quality education with a focus on undergraduate research and professional development opportunities. Salisbury University is particularly known for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and business, and its faculty is dedicated to ensuring that students receive a rigorous and meaningful education. The cost of attending Salisbury University is reasonable, and the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help make higher education more accessible to its students.

One of Salisbury University’s strengths is its strong community engagement and focus on preparing students for careers in a variety of fields. Its affordable tuition rates, combined with a comprehensive set of financial aid offerings, make it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a quality education at a reasonable cost. Additionally, Salisbury’s commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for its students contributes to its high ranking as one of the best value public colleges in the country.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, ranked 55th for out-of-state students and 70th for in-state students in Kiplinger’s 2011-2012 rankings, is another example of an institution that offers a strong educational experience while keeping costs manageable for students. The university is one of the largest public institutions in the state, offering a wide array of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities. UMass Amherst is particularly known for its strong programs in fields such as business, engineering, and the sciences, and it consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States.

While UMass Amherst is ranked lower than some of the other institutions on the list, it still provides excellent value for both in-state and out-of-state students. The cost of attendance is relatively low compared to many other universities of its size and prestige, and the university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. UMass Amherst’s strong academic programs, combined with its commitment to affordability, make it a top choice for students seeking a high-quality education at a reasonable price.

Finally, James Madison University (JMU), ranked 28th on Kiplinger’s 2011-2012 list, is a public university located in Virginia. JMU has consistently been ranked among the best values in public colleges due to its strong academic programs, high graduation rates, and affordable tuition. The university boasts a competitive cost per year for Virginia residents, with tuition and fees totaling just $17,664. After need-based aid, the cost for many students is reduced even further to $10,984, making it an incredibly affordable option for those seeking a high-quality education. JMU’s high four-year graduation rate of 67% and six-year graduation rate of 82% are further indicators of its academic excellence and commitment to student success.

James Madison University has earned a reputation for providing a strong return on investment, with graduates leaving the university well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields. The relatively low student debt at graduation, averaging just $20,417, is another factor that contributes to the university’s ranking as one of the best values in public higher education. JMU offers a supportive learning environment, a wide variety of academic programs, and a commitment to ensuring that its students receive a high-quality education at an affordable price.

In conclusion, the universities and colleges featured in Kiplinger’s 2011-2012 rankings of the best values in public higher education represent a diverse array of institutions that are committed to providing an excellent education while also ensuring that the cost of attendance remains manageable for students. From the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which has topped the list for over a decade, to smaller schools like the University of Minnesota, Morris, and James Madison University, these institutions offer high-quality academics, strong financial aid programs, and affordable tuition rates. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, these universities demonstrate that it is possible to provide an outstanding education without burdening students with excessive debt.