Value Propositions

The University's reputation as one of the best values among public institutions has received a slight uptick with the recent release of two lists measuring value. UVA has moved past the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—last year's No. 1—to earn Princeton Review's highest ranking for publics. In Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's list of the "100 Best Values in Public Colleges," UVA was ranked No. 2, up a spot from last year.

Both rankings reward colleges that provide a world-class education at an affordable price.

"We commend these colleges for their stellar academics and their exceptional affordability as evidenced by their general financial aid awards or their comparatively low sticker prices—or both," says Robert Franek, Princeton Review's senior vice president and publisher.

President Teresa Sullivan says the recognition reflects the "quality and dedication of our faculty and staff, along with the success of those who manage our finances and operations." But she also cautions against complacency.

"Anyone who has been following higher education closely knows that the dynamics constantly change," she says. "Maintaining the quality of our faculty and the high level of the education our students receive while keeping the price tag affordable to families is no easy task. But this is exactly where our priorities lie for the future. Much of our energy will continue to focus on these critical areas."