Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has again been named one of the nation's 50 "Best Value" public colleges and universities by The Princeton Review, one of America's most widely-known education service companies. UNC Wilmington was named to Princeton Review's 2010 list, released January 12, and also was listed in its 50 "Best Values" for 2009.

"UNCW's commitment to our students, their families and the citizens of North Carolina is to provide the highest quality educational experience at the lowest possible cost," said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. "That is even more critical in today's economic environment, when many students and families have serious concerns about paying for college. The university is honored to be included as one of Princeton Review's "Best Value" colleges."

The Princeton Review has teamed with USA TODAY, the nation's most widely-read newspaper, to present the "Best Value" Colleges list for 2010. The list features a total of 100 schools: 50 public and 50 private colleges and universities.

Institutions were selected for inclusion on the list based on surveys of administrators and students at more than 650 public and private colleges and universities. The selection criteria covered more than 30 factors in three areas: academics, costs of attendance and financial aid, using the most recently reported data for each institution for its 2008-09 academic year.

The editors at Princeton Review said of UNCW's financial aid opportunities, "The UNC system boasts one of the lower in-state tuitions in the country, a real bargain when coupled with the relatively high quality of instruction throughout the system. The school offers both need- and merit-based aid, with the majority of funds allocated to the needy."

Princeton Review highlighted several scholarships offered by UNCW, including SOAR, a program for in-state students whose family income is below 200 percent of the poverty guidelines. Students can receive up to $3,000 a year from the SOAR program to help minimize loan debt. Other freshman scholarship opportunities include the TEAL merit scholarship, the Honors Scholarship Program and the Chancellor's Distinguished Merit Scholarship, all designed to assist students with high academic ability.

The full list of "Best Value" colleges and accompanying article can be accessed on line at www.bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, UNCW, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu