College is an investment.
The 10 US colleges where students get the best education for the lowest price
U.S. News & World Report released its latest rankings of the best-value colleges in America, where students enjoy high-quality academics and low costs.
The cost of a four-year degree in America is higher than ever, and students are borrowing tons of money to fund it — sending the nation's total student loan debt soaring past $1.3 trillion.
But steep costs alone don't equal high quality. To make the most of your investment, you want to find a college that offers an excellent education for the lowest price possible.
On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its best-value colleges list for 2018, ranking the top universities with both high-quality academics and low costs for the average undergraduate student who receives need-based financial aid.
Only schools ranked in the top half of the 2018 best national universities ranking were considered for this list.
For each of the schools, U.S. News considered three factors:
- Ratio of quality to price
- Need-based aid
- Average discount
Topping the best-value colleges list for national universities is Princeton University, which also took the top spot in the overall best colleges list. Ivy Leagues Harvard and Yale round out the top three.
Below, check out the list of the top 10 best colleges for your money, according to U.S. News.
10. Duke University
Overall rank: 9
Percent receiving need-based aid: 41%
Average cost after need-based grants: $23,374
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Overall rank: 30
Percent receiving need-based aid: 41%
Average cost after need-based grants: $17,815
8. California Institute of Technology
Overall rank: 10
Percent receiving need-based aid: 51%
Average cost after need-based grants: $23,973
7. Dartmouth College
Overall rank: 11
Percent receiving need-based aid: 50%
Average cost after need-based grants: $23,312
6. Columbia University
Overall rank: 5 (tie)
Percent receiving need-based aid: 48%
Average cost after need-based grants: $21,041
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Overall rank: 5 (tie)
Percent receiving need-based aid: 58%
Average cost after need-based grants: $20,331
4. Stanford University
Overall rank: 5 (tie)
Percent receiving need-based aid: 47%
Average cost after need-based grants: $19,296
3. Yale University
Overall rank: 3 (tie)
Percent receiving need-based aid: 50%
Average cost after need-based grants: $18,385
2. Harvard University
Overall rank: 2
Percent receiving need-based aid: 55%
Average cost after need-based grants: $16,338
1. Princeton University
Overall rank: 1
Percent receiving need-based aid: 60%
Average cost after need-based grants: $16,793
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