The U was chosen as one of 150 universities profiled for the 2008 edition of America’s Best Value Colleges, an annual guide published by The Princeton Review.
The Princeton Review, a website designed to help students find schools and careers, chose colleges based on tuition prices, educational value and financial aid. The organization compiled the lists by surveying 110,000 students across the nation.
U spokesman Remi Barron said the organization likely chose to profile the U because of its “state-of-the-art research” and faculty expertise.
“The U is always doing its best to make sure students have the best possible education for their money,” Barron said.
The U was also named one of 123 “Best Western Colleges,” according to the 2007 publication of The Princeton Review’s guide.
In that edition, the U came in ninth on the “Students pray on a regular basis” list, compared with Brigham Young University, which came in first. The U also placed eighth on the “Professors make themselves scarce” list.
Nikki Christensen, a junior in international studies, said she agreed that it can be difficult to find time to meet with professors.
“Office hours seem arbitrary,” Christensen said. “You have to make an appointment and it’s a little frustrating.”
The Princeton Review also rated the U’s admission selectivity rate. On a scale of 60-99 points, where 99 was a positive score, the U rated a 79.
Dave Pershing, senior vice president for academic affairs, said the U has been increasing its selectivity of incoming students.
“Our goal is to encourage those students who desire and are prepared for a rigorous college education to come to the U,” Pershing said.
BYU, Westminster College, Utah State University and Southern Utah University were also named on the “America’s Best Value Colleges” list.