Skip to headerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
Get our Free E-newslettersGet our Free E-newsletters
Kiplinger logoLink to homepage
Get our Free E-newslettersGet our Free E-newsletters
Subscribe to Kiplinger
Subscribe to Kiplinger
Save up to 76%
Subscribe
Subscribe to Kiplinger
  • Store
  • Home
  • Investing
  • Retirement
  • Taxes
  • Personal Finance
  • Your Business
  • Wealth Creation
    • Podcasts
    • Economic Outlooks
    • Tools
    • Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
    • The Kiplinger Letter
    • The Kiplinger Tax Letter
    • Kiplinger's Investing for Income
    • Kiplinger's Retirement Report
    • Store
    • Manage My E-Newsletters
    • My Subscriptions
Skip advert
  • Home
  • College Rankings
College Rankings

10 Best Public College Values, 2014

We rank Kiplinger's top 100 public colleges and universities based on measures of academic quality and affordability -- among them, low student-faculty ratios, high graduation rates, reasonable price tags and rich financial aid, including need-based aid (grants, not loans) for students who qualify.

by: Susannah Snider
March 3, 2014

Thinkstock

Skip advert

We rank Kiplinger's top 100 public colleges and universities based on measures of academic quality and affordability -- among them, low student-faculty ratios, high graduation rates, reasonable price tags and rich financial aid, including need-based aid (grants, not loans) for students who qualify. These ten schools are the cream of the crop of that already-elite list.

In 2014, tuition increases are slowing for in-state students at public colleges, but faltering financial aid means that the net price -- what students actually pay -- increased this year by almost 2%. But staying in-state remains an effective way to keep college costs down. The average total in-state cost this year, at $18,391, is nearly half the $31,701 price of studying out of state.

Our rankings are based on in-state costs. These top 10 schools range from small colleges to immense flagship universities, but they have one thing in common: They all deliver the most academic bang for your buck. Take a look.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

1 of 11

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 18,503
  • Student-faculty ratio: 14:1 (top-100 median, 17:1)
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 77%; 6-yr., 90% (natl. avg., 4-yr., 32%; 6-yr., 53%)
  • Annual total in-state cost: $19,676 (natl. avg., $18,391 for tuition, fees, room and board)
  • Annual total out-of-state cost: $41,458 (natl. avg., $31.701)
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $16,983 (natl. avg., $29,400 for 2012)

The Tar Heels are number one for the 13th time – as many times as Kiplinger’s has ranked public colleges.

UNC is the only school on our list to meet 100% of financial need, slashing its $19,676 total cost to $6,454, on average, for students who qualify. This need-based aid is awarded as grants, not loans, to nearly 40%  of UNC freshmen this year after need-based aid is applied. A 28% admission rate (the lower, the better) means that only the most competitive applicants gain entry. And most students graduate on time, with 77% completing their degrees in four years and 90% in six years.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

2 of 11

2. University of Virginia

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 15,822
  • Student-faculty ratio: 16:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 87%; 6-yr., 93%
  • Annual in-state cost: $23,415
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $50,801
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $21,591

When it comes to academic quality and affordability, UVA is a strong contender. Its $23,415 sticker price comes in above the national average of $18,391, but UVA charges $5,070 after need-based aid, the lowest cost in our top ten and below the average of $12,620. Among incoming freshmen, 37% score above 700 on the verbal SAT test and 48% score above 700 on the math exam. And if you don’t want to shell out for an extra year of tuition, this school is for you: It has the highest four and six-year graduation rates (at 87% and 93%) in our top 100. Graduates who borrowed head into the real world with an average debt of just over $21,000—relatively modest compared with the national average of $29,400.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

3 of 11

3. University of Florida

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 32,776
  • Student-faculty ratio: 21:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 64%; 6-yr., 85%
  • Annual in-state cost: $16,863
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $39,140
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $19,636

At $16,863, the University of Florida has the lowest total in-state cost of our top ten. The cost after need-based aid is applied is $10,679, and students graduate with less than $20,000 in debt.

With more than 30,000 undergraduates, UF is the largest school in our top ten. Its 2,000-acre campus, with 900 buildings, is a hub for medical and scientific research, including the world’s largest citrus research center. Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship program helps in-state students with good academic records cover tuition and fees.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

4 of 11

4. The College of William and Mary

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 6,171
  • Student-faculty ratio: 12:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 83%; 6-yr., 90%
  • Annual in-state cost: $26,285
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $49,262
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $24,344

The nation’s second-oldest college continues its tradition of excellent academics. Just 32% of applicants earn admission to this “public Ivy.” The 12-to-one student-faculty ratio is the lowest in our top ten.

William and Mary’s $26,285 total in-state cost drops to $13,436 after need-based aid. That’s a significant reduction from the sticker price but still the highest net cost in our top ten.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

5 of 11

5. University of California, Los Angeles

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 27,941
  • Student-faculty ratio: 16:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 71%; 6-yr., 92%
  • Annual in-state cost: $28,852
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $51,730
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $20,409

Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA offers more than 800 clubs and student organizations, plus 125 majors. Its location in a major city gives students the internship and work opportunities that a small college town can’t.

Applicants to UCLA face steep competition: The admission rate is a competitive 22%, second-lowest on our list. Need-based financial aid brings UCLA’s nearly $30,000 in-state price tag to $11,483; students who borrow graduate with just over $20,000 in debt, on average. That’s almost $10,000 less than the national average.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

6 of 11

6. University of Michigan

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Thinkstock

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 27,979
  • Student-faculty ratio: 16:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 76%; 6-yr., 91%
  • Annual in-state cost: $24,186
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $51,436
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $27,815

UM has ascended our rankings over the past three years, thanks to limited cost increases and improving academics.

Michigan’s tuition is relatively high ($12,948 for in-state students, and $24,186 in total costs), but the 2014 tuition increase for residents was the smallest since 1985. The total cost after need-based aid has actually decreased since 2011, to $10,930. This year, the four-year graduation rate jumped three percentage points, to 76%.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

7 of 11

7. University of Maryland, College Park

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 26,487
  • Student-faculty ratio: 18:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 63%; 6-yr., 82%
  • Annual in-state cost: $19,972
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $39,158
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $25,276

Located along the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., corridor, Maryland’s flagship university lands at number seven this year, its sixth consecutive year in the top ten. Its total cost falls below $20,000, and the net cost becomes $13,490, on average, after need-based aid is applied. Maryland’s low cost helps secure its spot in the top ten, but its academics are nothing to shrug off: The university admits fewer than half of its applicants, and its 18-to-one student-faculty ratio gives students plenty of face time with professors.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

8 of 11

8. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 30,863
  • Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 54%; 6-yr., 83%
  • Annual in-state cost: $19,957
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $36,207
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $24,700

Get this: When it comes to what students actually pay, Madison costs less this year than last. The average cost after need-based aid for residents dropped to $12,636 from $13,430.

The city of Madison, with its masses of young people, political jobs at the state capitol and myriad tech start-ups, has become a midwestern magnet for Millennials. Maybe that, plus solid academics, helps explain why 95% of students stick around after freshman year.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

9 of 11

9. University of California, Berkeley

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 25,774
  • Student-faculty ratio: 17:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 71%; 6-yr., 91%
  • Annual in-state cost: $29,280
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $52,158
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $17,964

Talk about competitive. Just 18% of applicants gain entry to Berkeley, the lowest admission rate on our list. Among the incoming freshmen, 36% scored more than 700 on the verbal SATs; 56% beat that score in the math portion.

Berkeley’s $29,280 is the highest in-state total cost in our top ten, but its average need-based aid brings it to a much more doable $12,651. Students who borrow graduate with less than $18,000 in average debt.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

10 of 11

10. University of Georgia

Skip advert
  • Undergrad enrollment: 26,259
  • Student-faculty ratio: 18:1
  • Graduation rate: 4-yr., 55%; 6-yr., 83%
  • Annual in-state cost: $20,424
  • Annual out-of-state cost: $38,634
  • Avg. debt at graduation: $19,621
  • Financial aid is generous, cutting Georgia’s $20,424 total cost to less than $12,000 for in-state students. Students graduate with less than $20,000 in debt. Residents with stellar high school records can qualify for the Hope Scholarship, which covers a portion of tuition.

Georgia jumped five places in our rankings this year, thanks to improved test scores and a more competitive admission rate. It has one of the highest yields in our top ten: Nearly half of students who earn acceptance letters choose to enroll, and 94% stick around after the first year.

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

11 of 11

More From Kiplinger

University students in discussion in the classroom

Thinkstock

Skip advert

TOOL: Find the Best College for You

SLIDE SHOW: 10 Best Public College Values for Out-of-State Students, 2014

Best Values in Public Colleges, 2014

TOOL: Compare All Top 100 Public Colleges

SPECIAL REPORT: College Rankings, 2014

Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert
  • college
  • College Rankings
Share via EmailShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn
Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert
Skip advert

Recommended

When Will Student Loans Be Forgiven?
Paying for College

When Will Student Loans Be Forgiven?

Millions of Americans are waiting for the Biden Administration’s next hint, which could come later this summer, at how he’ll address the student loan …
June 27, 2022
Financial Advice I Would Give My Younger Self – Planning for Education Funding
college

Financial Advice I Would Give My Younger Self – Planning for Education Funding

College 529 plans vs. Roth IRAs: A financial expert shares what she wishes she had known when saving for her own law school and her son’s college. Tak…
June 21, 2022
25 Best College Majors for a Lucrative Career
college

25 Best College Majors for a Lucrative Career

One way to increase your chances of earning a good living is to pick a college major that prepares you to work in a field that pays well. Here are som…
May 31, 2022
How to Split $250,000 in Student Loans in a Divorce
Paying for College

How to Split $250,000 in Student Loans in a Divorce

Before you just sell the house and write a check to pay off your Parent PLUS loans, look at all your options. One could potentially save you a couple …
April 7, 2022

Most Popular

Don’t Be Tricked Into Voluntarily Paying Higher Taxes on Your IRA
IRAs

Don’t Be Tricked Into Voluntarily Paying Higher Taxes on Your IRA

Traditional IRAs are set up in a way that basically incentivizes you (and your heirs) into paying the highest tax bill possible. Don’t fall for it. Co…
July 4, 2022
Your Guide to Roth Conversions
Special Report
Tax Breaks

Your Guide to Roth Conversions

A Kiplinger Special Report
February 25, 2021
Retirees, Make These Midyear Moves to Cut Next Year's Tax Bill
Tax Breaks

Retirees, Make These Midyear Moves to Cut Next Year's Tax Bill

Save money next April by making these six hot-as-July tax moves.
July 1, 2022
  • Customer Service
  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us (PDF)
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Kiplinger Careers
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Preferences

Subscribe to Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Save up to 76%Subscribe to Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Do Not Sell My Information

Kiplinger is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site www.futureplc.com
© Future US LLC, 10th floor, 1100 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. All rights reserved.

Follow us on InstagramFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterConnect on LinkedInConnect on YouTube