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10 best values in public colleges

Kiplinger again ranks public universities -- from tiny to the gigantic -- that offer the best education for the money and also points out bargains for out-of-staters.

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By Susannah Snider, Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine

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  • An elite list

    We rank Kiplinger's top 100 public colleges and universities based on measures of academic quality and affordability. These 10 schools are at the top of that elite list.

     

    The institutions in the top 10 range from small colleges to immense flagship universities and span the entire nation, but they have one thing in common: They deliver the most academic bang for your buck. Click ahead to see which institutions came out on top.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 10: University of California, San Diego
    • Undergrad enrollment: 23,046
    • Student-faculty ratio: 19:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 56%; 6-year, 85%
    • Annual in-state cost: $26,632
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $49,510
    • Average debt at graduation: $19,936

     

    UCSD has the lowest total cost among our top California schools, and it lands at No. 10 for the second time in a row. Its sticker price isn't cheap, but San Diego delivers on generous financial aid, with students carrying an average of $19,936 in debt at graduation. And while climate doesn't officially factor into our rankings, balmy winter weather makes this Pacific Coast school even more alluring.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 9: SUNY Geneseo
    • Undergrad enrollment: 5,485
    • Student-faculty ratio: 20:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 69%; 6-year, 81%
    • Annual in-state cost: $18,519
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $27,769
    • Average debt at graduation: $21,000

     

    With the lowest total cost for out-of-state students in our top 10, SUNY Geneseo is the top pick in our rankings for out-of-staters. But that doesn't mean New Yorkers can't expect to find value as well. In-state total cost is $18,519, and that shrinks to $14,047 after accounting for need. And students enter with high test scores: 24% scored 700 or higher on the SAT verbal portion while 20% scored 700 or higher on the math portion.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 8: University of California, Berkeley
    • Undergrad enrollment: 25,885
    • Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 71%; 6-year, 91%
    • Annual in-state cost: $29,049
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $51,927
    • Average debt at graduation: $17,116

     

    Berkeley admits only 22% of applicants, making it the most-selective school in our top 100. More than one-third of these elite students scored 700 or higher on the verbal portion of the SAT, and 58% hit 700-plus on the math portion. Its $29,049 in-state price tag may seem high, but average debt at graduation is $17,116, the third-lowest in our top 10.

     

     

     More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 7: New College of Florida
    • Undergrad enrollment: 845
    • Student-faculty ratio: 10:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 51%; 6-year, 68%
    • Annual in-state cost: $16,181
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $39,210
    • Average debt at graduation: $14,172

     

    This tiny Florida school boasts solid academics and outstanding affordability. Its $16,181 total in-state cost, the lowest in our top 10, makes it a great deal for Floridians. And that cost shrinks to $7,674 after accounting for need-based aid. Average debt at graduation is $14,172, also the lowest in our top 10. The school ranks only a so-so 30th for out-of-state value.

     

     

     More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 6: University of California, Los Angeles
    • Undergrad enrollment: 27,199
    • Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 68%; 6-year, 90%
    • Annual in-state cost: $26,888
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $49,766
    • Average debt at graduation: $18,814

     

    Despite increases in tuition for California state schools, they remain competitive in our rankings, thanks to generous financial aid and rigorous academics. The posh neighborhood of Westwood in Los Angeles isn't a bad place to spend four years, but you'll need to be a top student to get in. UCLA, one of three California schools on our top-10 list, admits just 25% of applicants, with 44% earning 700 or higher on the math portion of the SAT and 22% scoring 700 or higher on the verbal portion. At first glance, total cost is high. But with 84% of need met, Californians who qualify for need-based aid can expect to pay just $10,229 this year.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 5: University of Maryland, College Park
    • Undergrad enrollment: 26,775
    • Student-faculty ratio: 18:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 66%; 6-year, 82%
    • Annual in-state cost: $19,931
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $38,310
    • Average debt at graduation: $24,180

     

    Maryland has climbed steadily in our rankings. The home of the Terrapins now holds the fifth spot. Some credit goes to a four-year tuition freeze, which ended in 2010 but helped Maryland leapfrog its tuition-raising peers. In-staters pay an average of $12,499 after financial need is factored in. The 2014-15 academic year will see Maryland leave the Atlantic Coast Conference to join the Big Ten. The change promises to both affect athletic matchups and gain UMD entry into the Big Ten's Committee on Institutional Cooperation, whose 15 schools share resources, such as library materials, study-abroad programs and research opportunities.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 4: College of William and Mary
    • Undergrad enrollment: 6,071
    • Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 85%; 6-year, 91%
    • Annual in-state cost: $23,950
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $47,724
    • Average debt at graduation: $20,835

     

    Small and highly competitive, this so-called "public Ivy" admits some of the sharpest students in our rankings: 43% scored 700 or higher on the verbal portion of the SAT, and 37% earned 700 or higher on the math portion. An enviable ratio of 12 students per faculty member helps keep these brainiacs engaged. Total cost is on the high side compared with other state schools, but with 85% of students graduating within four years, it's unlikely that you'll pay for an extra year.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 3: University of Florida
    • Undergrad enrollment: 32,598
    • Student-faculty ratio: 21:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 59%; 6-year, 84%
    • Annual in-state cost: $16,593
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $38,870
    • Average debt at graduation: $16,841

     

    Although UF dropped one place in our rankings this year, it continues to score well on both cost and academic measures. Students stick around, with only 5% leaving after their freshman year. And although Florida is a big school -- with 16 colleges, more than 150 research centers and institutes, and the largest undergraduate enrollment in our top 10 -- it's still selective, with a 43% admittance rate.   

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 2: University of Virginia
    • Undergrad enrollment: 15,762
    • Student-faculty ratio: 16:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 87%; 6-year, 94%
    • Annual in-state cost: $22,645
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $48,597
    • Average debt at graduation: $20,951

     

    After finishing in third place in our rankings every year since 2008, Virginia finally climbed to second. Credit higher test scores and a gentle increase in total cost. The Charlottesville school's 87% four-year graduation rate is the highest on our list. And UVA is one of only two schools in our rankings to meet 100% of financial need (first-ranked UNC Chapel Hill is the other). In-state students pay just $5,464, on average, after factoring in need.  

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

  • No. 1: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Undergrad enrollment: 18,430
    • Student-faculty ratio: 14:1
    • Graduation rate: 4-year, 77%; 6-year, 90%
    • Annual in-state cost: $18,609
    • Annual out-of-state cost: $39,361
    • Average debt at graduation: $17,525

     

    UNC Chapel Hill is our No. 1 public college for the 12th time. Why is it a perennial winner? Credit its stellar academics, reasonable sticker price and generous financial aid. UNC's 77% four-year graduation rate trounces the 31% national average, and its 31% admission rate makes it one of the most-competitive schools on our list. Out-of-staters can also take advantage of a superior value -- UNC is No. 2 in our out-of-state rankings, behind SUNY Geneseo.   

     

    See the full report at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

     

     

    More from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine:

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    Published Jan. 11, 2013

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    38Comments
    A Lincoln
    Jan 22, 2013 5:01PM
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    This article is a crock.

    What about colleges like Western New Mexico University that charge 12k out of state and 6k in state per year?

    Nobody cares where you get your undergraduate degree from anyway.

    Jesperson
    Jan 22, 2013 4:58PM
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    UNC-Chapel Hill academics are a joke. 

     

    Over 80% of students receive A's or B's.  Not very rigorous standards.

     

    Many courses do not even require class attendance.

     

    Various investigations over the past 3 years have turned up countless examples of academic fraud.

     

    Obviously Kiplinger didn't do their homework this time.

    spud52
    Jan 22, 2013 4:18PM
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    There ar really no good public schools.  But what are you going to do short of expensive private schools or home schooling.  Our kids are pretty much stuck with what they've got.  Not so good education and a future that holds them accountable for astronomical amounts of debt.  No catch 22 just reality.
    tarheelfan2
    Jan 22, 2013 4:13PM
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    I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill.  I put myself through college, attended a 5 year program, and walked out owing $5,000 in Student Loans.  A combination of work-study, grants and scholarships got a girl from the hills of North Carolina a great education and a good foundation for the rest of my life.  I have been so blessed to have had that experience.
    Yamahog12
    Jan 22, 2013 3:12PM
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    I was lucky enough to get into SUNY Geneseo (#9) before their standards got so high!  The Business School there is really great, and I'm proud to have graduated from it...back in 1988.
    Dave Burns (20000)
    Jan 22, 2013 2:59PM
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    What moron wrote this? Looks to me like the ratings are based on which schools are the most liberal and full of highly educated idiots that enjoy putting themselves on some pedestal that doesn't exist.
    olsen190
    Jan 22, 2013 2:51PM
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    How is the average debt of these students only $20,000? Where does the student come up with the other $80-180,000. Does this average debt include students who's parents or grandparents paid for their education and owed no money. How about publishing the average student loan debt only for students WHO TOOK OUT LOANS? I bet that number would skyrocket. I graduated college in 1998 and owed $23,000. I went to a state school and borrowed around $6000 a year. Who do they come up with these numbers. I am in education and everyone of my former students owes way more that $20,000. Have the government publish the real numbers and bleak and misery of the students who are out of work and owe $50-100,000.
    Emile DJ. (Dixer4)
    Jan 14, 2013 5:09PM
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    If you are an Engineering or Pre-Med school, try Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Tuition is under 10,000.00 per year without financial aid for out of state . if you are an engineering student, you'll get an internship starting your junior year, meaning almost no debt the last 2 or 3 years. Average student debt for Engineering student is less than 10,000.00 when you factor financial aid.

    Nathan Meier
    Jan 14, 2013 4:48PM
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    Honestly?  They just forget about all of the great schools in the upper United States.  Here in North Dakota, we have NDSU and UND which are great, affordable four year schools.  Both schools have strong athletic programs, with NDSU being back-to-back FCS Football Champions, and UND having a hockey program that produces NHL draft picks every year.  Along with that, we have BSC, which is mostly a two year school, and it only costs about $2,500/semester.  BSC has one of the top energy programs in the United States, with people from all over the country enrolling in the online courses.  Clearly, they were not really looking at stats when picking these schools.

    There are some great schools in South Dakota as well, but it seems that no one cares about the Dakotas, and all of the great things that they have to offer.
    timetravlin
    Jan 14, 2013 4:31PM
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    WVU didnt make the list....great school and a low tuition....how did they not make this

     

    jack schulman (gaelm)
    Jan 14, 2013 3:56PM
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    the fact that unc is under investigation for all kinds of academic fraud makes it a good value ??
    Charles Rodriguez
    Jan 14, 2013 2:39PM
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    Aw man.. No good universities in Texas. I'm currently attending Austin Community College in Austin, Texas. Does anybody know any CHEAP colleges in the entire state of Texas to transfer to. All my family members passed college and for some reason it is really hard to get into one without debt. I guess if anything, I should look into it myself( scholarships, special programs, library) something. I'm one who cannot deny education at all. I'm constantly reading and learning the new trends. So yeah if anybody knows a good college in Tex.. Really would appreciate the help of another human being.. Thx
    Freedom Trail Rider
    Jan 14, 2013 2:37PM
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    Best college value in the USA. Believe it or not, is a small public college in Nebraska. Fine academics, graduation rate, and very inexpensive. Out of staters pay instate tuition rate. Tuition, room and board,and even books for ALL students is only $12,000. per year. I know, I graduated in 1968 and had an excellent career. ALL my friends who graduated from PERU STATE COLLEGE in Peru, Nebraska did well. I went on to get my masters at UCONN. Being from Massachusetts, which has many fine colleges, I found Peru State the best choice I could have ever made. The school is isolated in a very small town.. One would have to drive some distance for any entertainment. The students and professors are very close knit and supportive. Nebraskans are the most friendly people you could ever meet. If your looking for a quality education, for the best possible price, and a quiet college life, give PSC a look on-line. 
    Aaltarboy
    Jan 14, 2013 12:42PM
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    Members of the "when an "A" was an "A" generation", all. As a graduate of both UNC (Dean Smith days) and UVA (Dave Matthews days), this story rings true, even if assembled by the turnip head staff/researchers at MSNBC. My stays were for both doctoral level edumacations, but I did get to teach undergrads to put bread (and Thai sticks) on the table. A very sharp bunch of decent kids at both places. Fine grad and professional schools as well. Private institutions have their places, but like everything else in life, you don't always get what you pay for. Ohhh wowww maaaaan. Aa.
    gordo1
    Jan 14, 2013 11:05AM
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    Sounds like most ALL of them are Over Priced...

    Since the government is making the student loans nowdays....

    That means the young people start out in life owing the government money...

    Think its just another form of gaining control over the American Citizens....

    Wingnut crusher
    Jan 14, 2013 8:37AM
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    Come on, you mouth breathing idiots. That's not the way the actual costs work. One of the primary reasons that many of these schools are listed on here, is their ability to offer generous financial aid to those qualified students that need it. So, even though the yearly cost may show as $40,000, the actual costs can be 1/4 to 1/3 of that number.

     

    The Ivy's are the extreme example of this. They may all show total costs of $50,000+, but with their combination of huge endowments, and smaller student bodies, they are able to offer 100% aid to those students that they really want, and who really need the scholarship money. These schools will never lose a student that they want, because of financial issues. That's how they get the best and brightest, regardless of those students family financial situations.

     

    So, the moral of this story is, I hope you're happy at your home town community college. Given your unwillingness and inability to do even the simplest research into how college financial aid works, you're right where you deserve to be.

    Stebano
    Jan 12, 2013 6:19AM
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    Seriously? This is a VERY little bit of name recognition wrapped in a premium price tag. Best values my ****.

    all-that
    Jan 12, 2013 2:48AM
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    Utterly Stupid.

    A grand total of NONE of the schools named was a decent value.  Much less the 'best' value(s).

    And why the focus on so-so california schools?   Literally pathetic reporting

    Licxjo
    Jan 12, 2013 2:15AM
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    This is crazy.  There are many fine public institutions that are much more affordable and accessible than these . . . Why the focus on California and the east coast?  Look at other regional schools and colleges and you'll find outstanding educations that won't leave you a pauper.  When graduation is over, no one really cares what school you went to . . . they care about what you learned and what you're able to do.
    Down with Citgo
    Jan 12, 2013 1:50AM
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    Total average cost for 4 years at these "best values" is around $180,000 what a bargain. Who writes this crap?

    Down with Citgo
    Jan 12, 2013 1:46AM
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    Lets see several of these best values came with a cost of $50,000/year. What a value 4 years for $200,000- I'm jumping for joy. Live at home go to a community college for a couple of years and then transfer to the best college you can get into. That is the best deal not the nonsense in this article.
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