July 1, 2004

Appalachian Called a Best Value by Consumers Digest Magazine

BOONE--Appalachian State University is considered a best value among 50 public colleges and universities in the United States according to Consumers Digest magazine. Appalachian is listed 30th in the magazine’s rankings.

Only three other North Carolina public institutions were included in the rankings: UNC Asheville (31st), UNC Wilmington (38th) and UNC Greensboro (45th). A total of 3,500 schools were considered for the rankings. The complete list is available at www.consumerdigest.com/images/CollegeValues.pdf.

The list considered the quality of education offered, academic excellence of freshman enrollment, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio and percent of faculty holding a Ph.D. or highest degree. These factors were weighed against out-of-state tuition.

“ The study conducted by Consumers Digest confirms what we have known for a long time–Appalachian State University offers a quality program at a great value for its students,” said Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock.

“ Consumers Digest’s mandate has always been to provide expert opinions and recommendations in regard to products and services important to American consumers,” says Randy Weber, publisher of Consumers Digest. “Our examination of this country’s higher-learning institutions should help parents and students find schools that meet families’ performance and financial requirements.”

For public schools, the magazine only considered nonresident tuition figures, since attending a public school as a resident almost always offers the best value.

“ The price of attending a university or college often exceeds $20,000 per year,” says Weber. “Our analysis was done to help families make an informed decision that puts their hard-earned money to the best use.”

In-state tuition, room and board at Appalachian was $7,471.50 for the 2003-04 academic year. Out-of-state costs were $16,839.50.

Consumers Digest’s list of “Top 75 College Values” accompanied an article called “Making College More Affordable,” which suggested ways to reduce college costs.

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