Staff Report
UNM has been named to America's 100 Best College Buys for the eighth consecutive year.
The ranking designates the University as one of America's best college educations for value.
"We're always pleased to be noted," said UNM President Louis Caldera. "But more importantly, it is about the quality of education that we offer here."
Institution Research and Evaluation, Inc. compiled the list from a survey of more than 1,450 accredited colleges and universities nationwide that offer four-year undergraduate degree programs.
The survey's results showed that out-of-state tuition at UNM in 2002 was $17,864, well below the national average of $21,308 at public universities in the United States.
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"UNM's standing among America's Best 100 College Buys demonstrates a commitment to provide New Mexico students an affordable, high quality education that is second to none," Caldera said in a University news release.
Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. is an independent research and consulting organization specializing in the recruiting and retention of students for institutions of higher education.
According to the organization's Web site, in order to be considered for the designation of one of America's 100 Best Buys, an institution must also offer full residential facilities including dormitories and dining services and have an entering freshman class in the fall of 2002 with a high school GPA and/or SAT/ACT score equal to or above the national average for all college freshmen.
Consistent with its mission, and as a guide by which institutions may be compared, each year the organization identifies the American colleges and universities that strive to provide students the very best opportunities in higher education, the Web site states.
Caldera said being named to the list brings the University some much-deserved attention.
"We always like to have attention brought upon the University," Caldera said. "Being named to that list helps people become aware of the exceptional programs available here. I have been to a lot of campuses in my life, but UNM is a very special place. If anything, I hope this recognition helps other people see that."
