UConn Named a 2012-2013 Best-Value Public College by Kiplinger’s

The University is ranked #25 on the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best values in public colleges for 2012-13, up from #30 last year.

Female student wearing a UConn sweatshirt, studying at a table in the Cue Building (Center for Undergraduate Education) on March 27, 2012. (Al Ferreira for UConn)

Female student wearing a UConn sweatshirt, studying at a table in the Cue Building (Center for Undergraduate Education) on March 27, 2012. (Al Ferreira for UConn)

The University of Connecticut has been named #25 on the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best values in public colleges for 2012-13. The ranking cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value.

Last year, UConn was ranked at #30 on the annual list, and was at #32 the year before that.

“The Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranking is a welcome recognition of UConn’s commitment to providing its students with an education that’s both first-rate and affordable,” said UConn President Susan Herbst. “In these difficult economic times, the word ‘value’ is more significant than ever, and we’re proud to be recognized for our ability to tighten our belts without sacrificing the quality of our academic experience.”

According to the magazine, its process begins with data on more than 500 public institutions. The schools are sorted based on measures of quality – such as the admission rate, the test scores of incoming freshmen, and four- and six-year graduation rates. Data on cost is then added – including tuition, fees, and room and board, as well as financial aid for in-state and out-of-state students – creating combined criteria based on both quality and affordability. Many schools have appeared on the list multiple times, including UConn, a testament to the consistent value these colleges provide.

“We applaud this year’s top 100 schools for their efforts to maintain academic standards while meeting the financial needs of their students,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

The annual public school rankings appear in Kiplinger’s February 2013 issue – on newsstands January 1, 2013 – and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/college. Web visitors will find special features, including an FAQ about how the public colleges are ranked, a slide show of the top 10 schools, and a tool that lets readers sort by in-state and out-of-state cost, average debt at graduation, and admission rate. In addition, Kiplinger’s top 200 private colleges and universities of 2012-13 – announced in November 2012 – are featured in the Best College Values report.