U of A Improves Place in Kiplinger's 'Best College Values' Ranking

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is ranked 55th among public universities in the “2016 Best College Values” report released by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. This year’s rating is three spots higher than last year. The U of A has been ranked among the top 100 public institutions by Kiplinger’s for more than a decade.

“It is the goal of the University of Arkansas to consistently improve our academic quality while remaining affordable to Arkansas students and families,” said interim Chancellor Dan Ferritor. “State and private support are both essential to keep tuition and fees as low as possible while providing financial aid to every student who needs it and has earned the opportunity to attend school here. All Arkansans should be proud of the job the university has done, and I believe the university will continue to improve.”

Each year Kiplinger’s surveys close to 1,200 schools to develop its rankings. Academic quality factors account for 55 percent of an institution’s score and 45 percent is based on costs and the availability of financial support for students. “Best College Values” looks at factors such as admission rate, percentage of freshmen with high admission test scores, freshman retention rate, student-faculty ratio and four-year graduation rate in assessing academic quality. Cost categories include total cost, available student financial aid, percentage of need met, percentage of students who borrow and average student debt at graduation.

The University of Arkansas placed 7th among public Southeastern Conference schools.

The U of A is also consistently recognized in “Best Value” surveys by organizations such as Forbes, Institutional Research and Evaluation Inc., and The Princeton Review.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.