UF named a 2011-2012 best-value public college by Kiplinger’s

January 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the seventh year in a row, the University of Florida has ranked No. 2 on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best values in public colleges. The ranking — this year’s was released today — cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value.

“UF has placed well in many rankings over the years, but I think this one is especially relevant to our students and their families,” UF President Bernie Machen said. “As the conversation continues statewide and nationally about the rising cost of a college education, UF consistently stands out as a remarkable value.”

Kiplinger’s assesses quality and affordability according to a number of measurable standards. This year, Kiplinger’s revamped the rankings to give more weight to academic value, such as the percentage of students who return for sophomore year and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, abundant financial aid and low average debt at graduation.

While the criteria have shifted, the overall focus on value remains the same. Many schools have appeared on the list multiple times, including the University of Florida, a testament to the consistent value these colleges provide.

“As states cut funding for higher education and tuition continues to climb, the word ‘value’ is more significant than ever,” said Jane Bennett Clark, senior editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “This year’s top 100 public schools deliver strong academics at reasonable prices. We applaud these institutions for tightening their belts without compromising quality.”

The annual public school rankings appear in Kiplinger’s February 2012 issue — on newsstands today — and online at: www.kiplinger.com/links/college. Web visitors will find special interactive features including FAQs about the public colleges ranking, a slideshow of the top 10 schools, and data sortable by criteria such as state, tuition cost, average debt, student/faculty ratio, and admission rate. Additionally, Kiplinger’s top-200-ranked private colleges and universities of 2011-12 — announced in November 2011 — are featured in a companion Best College Values report.

About Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
For nine decades, the Kiplinger organization has led the way in personal finance and business forecasting. Founded in 1920 by W.M. Kiplinger, the company developed one of the nation’s first successful newsletters in modern times. The Kiplinger Letter, launched in 1923, remains the longest continuously published newsletter in the United States. In 1947, Kiplinger created the nation’s first personal finance magazine. Kiplinger.com is the fastest growing Web site in the personal finance space. Located in the heart of our nation’s capital, the Kiplinger editors remain dedicated to delivering sound, unbiased advice for your family and your business in clear, concise language. Become a fan of Kiplinger on Facebook or Kiplinger.com and follow Kiplinger updates on Twitter.