BOONE—Appalachian State University has been named as one of the nation’s 50 “Best Value” public colleges and universities according to The Princeton Review, one of America’s best-known education services companies.

The Princeton Review teamed with USA TODAY to present “The Princeton Review Best Value Colleges for 2011.”

“To be included once again on Princeton Review’s list of universities that are considered best values is a continued affirmation of the commitment of our faculty and staff to providing an outstanding academic experience for our students, and one that is affordable for them and their parents,” said Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock. “I am proud to be part of an institution, that despite the economic challenges it may face, remains committed to offering strong academic programs at an affordable cost. As we move forward, we will continue to do all that we can to make sure Appalachian remains deserving of this great recognition.”

The list, which features 100 schools in all – 50 public and 50 private colleges and universities, is online at www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx and http://bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com.

The Princeton Review chose the schools as its “Best Value Colleges for 2011” 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.  Most of the data analyzed came from surveys conducted from fall 2009 through fall 2010. All cost and financial aid data came from fall 2010 surveys.

In-state tuition for an undergraduate student was $2,960.74 for the 2010-11 academic year. Tuition will increase to $3,152.74 for an in-state undergraduate student for the 2011-12 academic year.

In their profile of Appalachian on USA TODAY’s website, the editors at The Princeton Review commend the school for preparing students for the future through high-quality programs that teach students to adapt to new environments, integrate knowledge from diverse sources, and continue learning throughout their lives.

“With approximately 15,000 undergraduates on campus, personal attention from professors is possible, but those who want to get lost in the crowd, can,” the editors wrote. “The most popular majors are business administration, elementary education, and psychology. Other highlights include health sciences and sustainability. The Heltzer Honors Program offers promising and highly motivated students the opportunity to take honors classes in many fields. Appalachian’s international experiences include study-abroad opportunities on nearly every continent.”

The Princeton Review also cited students’ aspirations to own their own business, reporting that and more than 200 students enroll in elective entrepreneurship courses each year.  The editors also acknowledged the university’s emphasis on community service, hands-on learning, undergraduate research, internships, campus involvement, and cultural and recreational activities that provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for a competitive job market.

The editors said that, “Overall, students choose Appalachian for its breathtaking location, challenging academics, and stellar opportunities for involvement outside the classroom.”

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