CHAPEL HILL – Many of the 17 schools within the University of North Carolina have once again been recognized as top institutions.

“UNC-Chapel Hill was again ranked fifth among national public universities,” System President Tom Ross said. “N.C.State was ranked eighth among up-and-coming schools—that is those making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life. Among regional universities, the magazine recognized Appalachian, UNC-Wilmington, Western Carolina, Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina Central, (and) UNC-Pembroke.”

President Ross took time during Friday’s Board of Governors meeting to recognize the accomplishments. Those listed were out of U.S. News and World Report.

Carolina was chosen fifth to Cal-Berkeley, UCLA, Virginia, and Michigan respectively.

“The Princeton Review released its 2014 addition of best colleges,” President Ross said. “You can be proud that four of our campuses are designated as some of the best colleges and universities in the southeast. This recognition went to North CarolinaState, UNC Asheville, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC Greensboro.”

And, despite budget cuts and constant conversation about tuition, President Ross made it a point to mention the category of the ‘best bang for the buck’.

“Washington Monthly in their ‘Best Bang for the Buck’ rankings singled out a number of UNC campuses that help low- and middle-income students obtain marketable degrees at an affordable price,” President Ross said. “Five UNC schools were ranked in the top 25 among all schools: UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian, N.C.State, Wilmington, and East Carolina.”

To see the accolades for the UNC system, click here.