UNC-CH tops 'best value' list for public universities

Carolina has topped the list for "a remarkable 10 times running," the magazine reports in its annual survey that was disclosed Tuesday.

In a tough economic climate, students and families are looking for value, Kiplinger's says.

"Look for schools that deliver an outstanding, affordable education in good times and bad. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill … is a prime example," the report notes. "Carolina's admission rate remains among the lowest on our annual list; its students are among the most competitive; and its in-state cost, at $17,000, is not much higher than the average price ($16,140) for all public universities. For students who qualify for need-based aid, the total price for this top-tier university drops to an average of $7,020."

North Carolina State University ranks 15th.

Other schools in the top 60 include:

Evaluation criteria include academic quality, student-to-faculty ratio, admission rate, four-year graduation rate, and affordability.