Everyone is looking to get the most out of their money these days. Whether it is homes, cars or even colleges, people are watching their pocket books. With college being so expensive, how can you afford not to want what is best? Fortunately, Kiplinger has put together a list of top universities based on value. Here are some.

Coming in at the top of the list is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil. Money, education quality, student life and overall student debt where huge factors when creating these rankings. Coming in at number two is the University of Florida in Gainesville. If you are looking for the school with the least debt after graduation you should try the New College of Florida in Sarasota, student debt upon graduation was around $11,000. Not bad all things considered. Check out coast guard education to continue your education today.

You can also check statuses by state. For instance, in Texas it is Texas A&M in College Station that ranks the highest. In California, University of California at Berkeley is your best bet. Check out online air force education to continue your education today.

Raw data from over 500 public colleges was originally examined. They were then narrowed down to about 120. Criteria included everything from SAT and ACT scores, retention rates, four and six year graduation rates and even student-faculty ratios. Cost of tuition, boarding, books and other expenses were accounted for as well. Average student debt upon graduation was also a big factor in the equation.

All things being considered the schools on the list continue to offer high quality educations, often equal to or better than many private universities, and a fraction of the price. Most have made a strong commitment to taking care of their students and make sure they keep affordability a high priority. Many have been forced to make many hard budget cuts do to cutbacks in state funding, but somehow still managed to keep up their level of excellence.

The survey only covered public schools with a wide range of degrees. Private universities were left out, which includes most Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale. Others school that were left out include technological schools and trade schools. Although Texas A&M was included, military academies like West Point and even the Citadel were not included either.

Check out education navy to continue your education today.