Tuesday, February 22, 2011

For the third consecutive year, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has 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 2011 list, released Feb. 22, and also was listed in its 50 "Best Values" for 2010 and 2009.

"The university is truly honored to again be chosen as one of Princeton Review's 'Best Value' colleges," said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. "Our commitment always has been to provide our students with the best learning experience possible, which includes providing it at the lowest possible cost. We owe that to the citizens of North Carolina, particularly during these difficult economic times, and we are making every effort to maintain the highest quality at a reasonable cost."

The Princeton Review has teamed with USA Today, the nation's most widely-read newspaper, to present the "Best Value" Colleges list for 2011. The list features a total of 100 schools: 50 public and 50 private colleges and universities.

Schools were chosen for inclusion on the Best Value Colleges for 2011 list based on criteria covering academics, cost of attendance and financial aid. The methodology examined more than 30 factors using data from the company's surveys of administrators and students at 650 colleges with strong academic programs. All cost and financial aid data came from surveys conducted in fall 2010.

The editors at Princeton Review said of UNCW's financial aid opportunities, "UNCW offers numerous merit- and need-based scholarships, including awards for first-generation college students, other diverse applicants, honors scholars, student-athletes and more. The university meets an average of 82 percent of the financial need of full-time undergraduates."

The profile of UNC Wilmington on USA Today's website listing all of the Best Value Colleges for 2011 refers to the university's strength in hands-on learning.

"At UNCW, students earn real-world experience through internships, research initiatives, capstone courses, international travel opportunities, and service-learning activities," the profile states. "In fact, every academic area on campus requires applied learning as a part of the undergraduate curriculum covering everything from a nursing program at a rural health clinic in Peru to a sociology program with a public housing community in Wilmington, to hands-on marine science research with leading faculty from the university's internationally-recognized Center for Marine Science."

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, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu