Kiplinger’s ranks TCNJ #1 Best Value Public College in New Jersey

The College of New Jersey has been named to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s list of 100 best values in public colleges for 2012. The ranking cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value.

TCNJ ranks No. 26 for in-state tuition, and tops the list of only three New Jersey publics included in this ranking. (Rutgers University No. 43; Ramapo College No. 48.) Non-New Jersey residents attending TCNJ get a great deal, too: For out-of-state tuition, the College ranks No. 12.

Per semester, undergraduate in-state tuition and fees at the College for the 2011–12 academic year are $7,093.50. Undergraduate out-of-state tuition and fees total $11,998.

Kiplinger’s assesses quality and affordability according to a number of measurable standards. This year, Kiplinger’s revamped the rankings to give more weight to academic value, such as the percentage of students who return for sophomore year and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, abundant financial aid and low average debt at graduation. While the criteria have shifted, the overall focus on value remains the same.  Many schools have appeared on the list multiple times—TCNJ included—a testament to the consistent value these colleges provide.

“As states cut funding for higher education and tuition continues to climb, the word ‘value’ is more significant than ever,” said Jane Bennett Clark, senior editor at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “This year’s top 100 public schools deliver strong academics at reasonable prices. We applaud these institutions for tightening their belts without compromising quality.”

The annual public school rankings appear in Kiplinger’s February 2012 issue.