Excellence and Affordability Equal One Red-Hot Deal

Despite an unsettled economy and rising costs, NC State continues to provide students with an affordable, high-quality education.

“NC State was founded to be ‘The People’s University,’” chancellor Randy Woodson said. “Part of this commitment includes a history of providing a quality education that is accessible and affordable.

“As our nation’s higher education institutions continue to feel the pressure of shrinking budgets, it is more important than ever that our university protect our core academic values and priorities.”

A 2010-11 special report from noted finance and business publisher Kiplinger ranks NC State as the nation’s 15th-best value among all public colleges and universities – a ranking that rises to 13th when focused specifically on out-of-state students.

“NC State, thanks to the faculty, students, staff, alumni and partners we have, continues to remain a best value choice,” Woodson said. “We are thrilled that Kiplinger has once again recognized our commitment, both past and present, to delivering a quality, affordable education.”

For the yearly rankings, Kiplinger staffers collect academic and financial data from more than 500 public, four-year schools with broad-based curricula. NC State has consistently ranked in the top 20.

However, the university’s strong reputation for quality and affordability reaches far beyond the pages of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – in 2010, NC State was named 6th Best Overall Public University Value by U.S. News & World Report and made Princeton Review’s 2010 list for top 50 best values among colleges and universities.

“There’s a fine line between tuition being low enough to be considered a ‘value’ and tuition being so low it compromises a university’s image,” said NC State student body president Kelly Hook. “Reports like these recognize that NC State offers a affordable tuition without sacrificing the quality of education.

“I’m glad NC State sticks to its guns and keeps tuition low for its students and families,enabling everyone who qualifies to receive an amazing education at an awesome university.”