According to Pew Research, about one-fourth of adults say having a four-year college degree is critical to having a well-paying job. However, U.S. News & World Report says average student loan debts are on the rise with public school graduates often taking out more than $25,000 in debt. This is why it's important to find an education that's affordable yet good-quality.
Recently, The Princeton Review published its annual list of America's "Best Value Colleges" including 209 with "stellar academics, strong career prospects for graduates, and affordable cost." The latter criterion is based on low sticker price, generous financial aid, or both.
What is the best value college in Georgia?
Two schools in Georgia made the list. Georgia Tech in Atlanta took the No. 1 spot. Here's what Princeton Review said about it:
"Undergrads here are quick to sing the praises of the university's 'rigorous' and 'challenging' engineering, science, and business programs. Students also love Georgia Tech's focus on 'innovation and hands-on learning,' which leaves them well prepared to face the job market come graduation....Many courses have 'a project built-in to force you to apply the material you've been studying.' Inside the classroom, undergrads are greeted by professors who are 'truly passionate about what they are teaching.'"
The other one was the University of Georgia in Athens ranking No. 12 on the list. Here's what was said about it:
"The University of Georgia is the flagship school in the state's university system, offering 142 majors across 17 colleges and schools. Students can also earn a bachelor's degree on an accelerated timeline through the Double Dawgs program. The well-regarded Honors Program is a big draw, incorporating experiential learning, travel, research opportunities, and a summer internship program in New York, Washington D.C., or Savannah."
How much does Georgia Tech cost?
Princeton Review said the approximate expenses per year for in-state students is $29,058 and for out-of-state students it's $51,484. Here's what they said about the financial aid:
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $16,408
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $15,204
Average Need-Based Loan: $4,848
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program: 28%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate: $26,841
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package: $13,842
Financial aid provided to international students: No
How much does University of Georgia cost?
Approximate expenses per year for in-state students is $24,046 and for out-of-state students it's $44,284. Here's what the financial aid looks like:
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $13,372
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $12,568
Average Need-Based Loan: $4,344
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program: 32%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate: $20,890
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package: $10,179
Financial aid provided to international students: No
What is the top value college in US?
Here are the top 10 schools on Princeton Review's list based on return-on-investment ratings:
Georgia Tech in Atlanta
University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC
University of California - Irvine in Irvine, CA
University of California - Berkeley in Berkeley, CA
University of California - San Diego in La Jolla, CA
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI
University of Washington in Seattle
North Carolina State University in Raleigh
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, IL
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Princeton Review's Best Value Colleges highlights two Georgia schools
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