Clemson ranked among best values in public colleges by Kiplinger

CLEMSON, SC – January 4, 2012 – Kiplinger magazine has rated Clemson University among the best valuesin public higher education in its ranking of the 100 Best Values inPublic Colleges released Tuesday.

Clemson’s ranking — 34^th for in-state students and 36^th for out-of-state students — was based on a variety of factors thatmatched quality of education with cost. The university moved up from aranking of 41^st and 46^th, respectively, last year.

“We are pleased that Kiplinger continues to recognize the high valueof a Clemson education, particularly in this economic climate where costeffectiveness and value are so scrutinized,” said Clemson presidentJames F. Barker.

Each year, we continue to see record-breaking numbers of admissionsapplications and this year is no exception,” said Clemson admissionsdirector Robert Barkley. “It’s clear that students and families alsorecognize the value of a Clemson education.”

Using data from more than 500 public four-year colleges anduniversities, Kiplinger assesses quality and affordability according to anumber of measurable standards. This year, Kiplinger revamped therankings to give more weight to academic value, such as the percentageof students who return for their sophomore years and the four-yeargraduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, abundantfinancial aid and low average debt at graduation.

Tuition forin-state students at Clemson is $6,334 per semester and $14,413 forout-of-state students, excluding room and board, lab fees, library feesand differential costs related to majors.

The Kiplinger study is available online at http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/.