Florida State University has been named one of the best values in the nation on the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best College Value” list for 2016.
The ranking cites four-year schools that combine outstanding academics with affordable cost. Florida State was ranked the 16th best value among public colleges for in-state students and the 15th best value for out-of-state students.
“Florida State University delivers a high-quality education while remaining affordable and accessible to students at all income levels,” said Sally McRorie, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “I am pleased that we have risen again in the Kiplinger rankings and that FSU continues to stand among the best values in the nation for academic excellence and student success.”
Last year, FSU was ranked the No. 22 best value among public colleges for in-state students and No. 19 for out-of-state students.
Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for their sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include sticker prices, financial aid and average debt at graduation.
“We start with a universe of 1,200 schools, so each school on our rankings, from No. 1 to No. 300, is a best value,” said Janet Bodnar, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. “Families can use the list as a starting point and then tailor it to each student’s preference for such things as size, location, campus culture and major.”
The rankings will appear in the February 2016 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, on newsstands Jan. 5, 2016.
Introduced in 1998, the rankings highlight public schools, private universities and private liberal arts colleges that combine outstanding academics with affordable cost.
The complete rankings, including the top schools overall as well as the best values in public schools, private universities and private liberal arts colleges, are available online at http://www.kiplinger.com/fronts/special-report/college-rankings/index.html?rid=PROD-LINKS.