Undergraduate enrollment: 18,579

Student-faculty ratio: 14

Graduation rate: 4-yr., 76%; 6-yr., 90%

Total in-state cost: $17,628

Total out-of-state cost: $37,454

Average debt at graduation: $16,165

Notable alum: Jeff MacNelly (political cartoonist), Mia Hamm (soccer player), Charles Kuralt (journalist)

At the top of our rankings for the 11th consecutive time, UNC-Chapel Hill stands out on virtually every measure of quality and affordability, from its highly competitive admission rate (32%) and low student-faculty ratio to its strong graduation rates, moderate sticker price and generous financial aid -- an average of about $11,000 annually for students who qualify. UNC-Chapel Hill also ranks number one in value for out-of-state students. The average need-based aid for out-of-staters -- $11,080 -- reduces the total cost to $26,374.