Florida State University was again named one of the best values in the nation by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in the publication’s 2012-2013 ranking of 100 public universities and colleges, taking the No. 26 spot.
The annual ranking highlights four-year universities and colleges that combine outstanding education with economic value.
“We are pleased with this latest recognition. Florida State University continues to be an excellent value,” said President Eric J. Barron. “By all accounts, we are one of the most efficient and effective universities in the United States. The Kiplinger’s assessment is yet another ranking that demonstrates our commitment to providing a quality education while remaining accessible and affordable.”
Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to a number of measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low tuition rates, multiple financial aid resources and low average debt at graduation. Many schools have appeared on the list multiple times, including Florida State, a testament to the consistent value these colleges provide, according to Kiplinger.
“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 will appear in Kiplinger’s February 2013 issue, which will be on newsstands Jan. 1, 2013, and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/college.