UW-Madison Ranked in Top Ten Best Values

The University of Wisconsin-Madison was ranked fifth among public universities and colleges by the Princeton Review in their 150 Best Value Colleges in 2012 report. The rankings were comprised of 75 public institutions and 75 private institutions. Criteria for the selections were excellence in academics, a relatively low cost of attendance and/or generous financial aid programs.

"Offering a high-quality public education at an affordable price is one of the bedrock principles of UW-Madison," says UW-Madison Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr. "But even with the success of such efforts as the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates to deliver additional need-based aid, we will strive to make a UW-Madison education possible for all students."

The guide was developed for students and parents seeking the best value for their money – somewhat of a Consumer Reports on universities.

Stats for the University of Wisconsin-Madison are as follows:

• In-State Costs: $21,772 (includes room, board, books and fees)
• Out-of-State Costs: $37,521 (includes room, board, books and fees)
• Avg Debt at Graduation: $22,837
• Avg Need Based Grants: $6,456
• Avg Need Based Loans: $3,917
• 48% of students borrowed
• 22.5 of freshman receive grants that do not have to be repaid
• Avg High School GPA: 3.69

The Princeton Review used cost, academics and financial aid data from surveys of school administrators, as well as student assessments of professors and financial aid awards, to compile the list.

The University of North-Carolina at Chapel Hill was named the nation's best value among public colleges and universities, while Williams College was the top private college. UW-Eau Claire and Beloit College also made the list. UW-Madison was the only Big Ten institution among the top 10 public universities.