The University of Arkansas is once again named one of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. In its 2012 survey of 500 schools Kiplinger’s ranked the University of Arkansas 53rd in the nation for in-state students and 56th for out of state students, an improvement over the rankings of 57 and 58 in 2011.

The report is intended as a consumer guide, highlighting schools that the publication’s research shows deliver quality education at an affordable price.

The Kiplinger list is drawn from a survey of 500 public universities across the country. The rankings are based on both academic measurements – student SAT or ACT scores, admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios, and four- and six-year graduation rates, for example – and financial considerations such as cost, availability of financial aid, and student debt after graduation.

The complete report is available at www.kiplinger.com/links/college.

“We are very pleased to be ranked among Kiplinger's top 100, as it reflects our commitment to maintain both high academic quality and affordability for the people of Arkansas,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “This is particularly noteworthy, given that our faculty and staff have maintained that balance through efficiencies and strategic investments and with no recent increase in state support. The Kiplinger’s report recognizes the U of A's affordability and value as well as the hard work and dedication of our teachers, researchers and staff. We are proud of this latest recognition."

The Kiplinger survey shows that the University of Arkansas is consistently in the top 25 percent of schools nationwide for lowest cost and availability of financial aid. Kiplinger’s calculates the university’s total cost for in-state students is $16,718; average total cost after financial aid is $9,552; total cost for out of state students is $27,150; average total cost for out of state students after financial aid of $19,984. The survey reports that University of Arkansas students graduate with the relatively low average student debt of $21,562.

Overall, the University of Arkansas has the fourth-highest ranking among public institutions in the Southeastern Conference, with the fourth-lowest student debt level, the third-lowest cost for in-state students and the lowest cost for out of state students.  It is ranked second over-all among regional peer institutions, as well as second in all financial categories.

The university is the only school in Arkansas listed on the Kiplinger report.