KNOXVILLE — As the economy goes down and college costs go up, students and their families need to make every dollar count.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, provides an academically strong education at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges for 2011” list released today, which ranked UT among the 50 best values in higher education.
The Princeton Review ranks American colleges based on undergraduate academics, affordability and financial aid for the “best value” list. The 50 public and 50 private colleges and universities were selected from more than 650 public and private colleges and universities.
“UT Knoxville delivers a first-rate academic and collegiate experience at a great value, and we are proud that our efforts have been nationally recognized,” said Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek. “A college education is a tremendous investment, and we will continue to work at making UT accessible to all academically qualified students, regardless of income.”
The Princeton Review is a New York City-based education services company known for its test-prep courses, college and graduate school admission services and books and education programs, including its annual college, business and law school rankings.
The Princeton Review describes UT Knoxville as a “large, dynamic” and “very affordable” university with “a vibrant academic and social atmosphere.” The profile also highlights the “excellent research facilities” and that with such a diverse student life, “it’s a school that has something to offer everyone.”
Essentially all of UT Knoxville’s in-state freshmen qualify for the state’s lottery-funded Hope Scholarship, which covers nearly half of their tuition and fees. As long as they stay in school and keep their grades up, they will receive HOPE funds.
Students whose family’s annual gross income is $40,000 or less also qualify for a Pledge Scholarship, which covers all their costs except travel and personal expenses. Similarly, the Promise Scholarship can pay for essentially all of the costs of tuition, fees and books for students who graduate from certain Tennessee high schools.
The Achieve the Dream program helps middle-income families whose incomes are too high to qualify them for Pell Grants or the Pledge Scholarship but who still need financial help.
Again this year, The Princeton Review teamed up with USA Today to present its “best value” colleges list. Previously, the list was reported on its website and in its book, “America’s Best Value Colleges.”
The Best Value Colleges for 2011 rankings are available http://www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx.
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C O N T A C T :
Kristi Hintz (865-974-3993, khintz@utk.edu)