
The latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list once again ranked UNC as the best value among all public institutions in the country. It’s the 18th straight year Carolina has topped the list.
In addition, UNC tied for fifth place with the University of Florida for top public schools in the nation and tied for 29th overall between public and private institutions.
“One of Carolina’s great strengths is that we bring together talented people with a commitment to our mission of high-quality academic programs, pioneering research and service to North Carolina and the world,” said UNC chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. “I am proud to see our university recognized once again as one of the top national public schools and as a leader in academics and affordability. These rankings reflect the hard work and dedication of our incredible students, faculty and staff in fulfilling our mission.”
Several of UNC’s individual programs also received high marks. The undergraduate nursing program tied for fifth in the nation and the undergraduate business program tied for eighth. Its management, marketing, real estate and entrepreneurship programs all ranked in the top 10. UNC also ranked 12th overall for best colleges for veterans.
To view the entire U.S. News & World Report list, click here.
Featured image via UNC/Johnny Andrews
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