UNC-Chapel Hill Top 'Best Value' Among Universities, Magazine Says

RALEIGH, N.C. — When it comes to providing the “best value” in public college education, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill continues to set the pace, according to annual rankings compiled by Kiplinger’s.

The financial publication ranks UNC-CH as No. 1 on the “Best Values” list for the sixth consecutive year in its latest issue, which hits newsstands this week.

“Tar Heel students pay $13,584 or less and get small classes, a top-notch faculty and a supportive environment that enables 84% of students to earn a degree within six years,” the magazine says in its ranking of 100 public universities. “That winning formula attracts top students from both in and out of state.”

UNC-CH Chancellor James Moeser told the magazine: "Our overall excellence is driving it -- and a national basketball championship in 2005 didn't hurt."

Five other North Carolina universities also made the list:

North Carolina State is 12th, jumping from 28th.

Appalachian State is 31st, up from 33rd.

UNC-Wilmington is 35th, down from 32nd

UNC-Asheville is 36th, up from 50th

UNC-Greensboro is 53rd, up from 75th

“I am proud that six of our universities are being recognized for their academic excellence and the value they provide to students and our state,” said Gov. Mike Easley in a statement. “This is further proof that our investment in education pays off and provides more students an affordable opportunity to gain the knowledge, talent and skill necessary to be successful in the global economy.”

Universities were ranked in a variety of categories ranging from enrollment to tuition costs, SAT scores and student to faculty ratios.