KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee’s campuses at Knoxville and Martin are the only public institutions and among just four Tennessee universities named among The Princeton Review’s “150 Best Value Colleges for 2012” list.
The Princeton Review ranks American colleges based on undergraduate academic quality, affordability, and availability of financial aid for its annual “Best Value” list, which cites the nation’s 75 best values in public higher education and the 75 best values in private higher education. UT Knoxville and UT Martin were chosen from more than 650 institutions in the U.S.
“I often point out the good value of the excellent education we believe the University of Tennessee provides, and these findings by The Princeton Review are an important affirmation of that value,” UT President Joe DiPietro said. “I commend the leaders of these two institutions – UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek and UT Martin Chancellor Tom Rakes – and their teams on this recognition.”
This year’s “Best Value” rankings described UT Knoxville as offering students “the great program diversity of a major university,” opportunities for research or original creative work in every degree program, and “a welcoming campus environment” with “a great sense of unity” and acceptance of diversity. The profile also noted that need-based and merit-based scholarships “are plentiful” for those who apply.
“UT Martin offers financial assistance to students based on need, academic achievement, character and leadership ability,” the rankings noted. “Those with top academic credentials can compete for Honors Programs Scholarships, and others who meet established academic criteria are eligible to receive the Tennessee Education Lottery HOPE Scholarship. There is also the respected University Scholars Program for qualified students.”
UT Knoxville has significantly increased funding for need-based scholarships in recent years. These funds are provided in addition to HOPE funds. The Pledge Scholarship is available to students whose family’s annual gross income is $40,000 or less. The Promise Scholarship is available to students from Tennessee high schools historically under-represented among the UT Knoxville student body. Pledge and Promise scholarships essentially cover all costs of tuition, fees, and books.
“We work very hard to be good stewards of our resources by delivering a high-quality education in as efficient a manner as possible,” Cheek said. “We are proud to be included in the ‘Best Value’ list again this year.”
UT Martin is making its first appearance on the list.
“Our top priority is to make sure that UT Martin students receive a high-quality education for their investment,” Rakes said. “We’re pleased to be the only best-value university in West Tennessee recognized by The Princeton Review.”
The Princeton Review is an educational services company known for its test-prep courses, university admission services, and its annual college, business, and law school rankings.
The “150 Best Value Colleges for 2012″ rankings are available at http://www.princetonreview.com/best-value-press-release.aspx.