The University of North Carolina at Greensboro ranks 53rd among the 100 best values in public higher education, according to the February edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance. UNCG ranked 75th last year.

"As we reach for new heights of academic excellence, we also strive to ensure that rising tuition does not prevent qualified students from receiving a UNCG education," said Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan. "The primary goal of our ongoing Students First Campaign, which has already raised more than $71 million, is to increase the financial support we provide to our undergraduate and graduate students."

The magazine analyzed data from more than 500 colleges and universities to compile its rankings, considering cost, financial aid, debt at graduation, standardized test scores, admission rates, freshman retention rates, student-faculty ratios and graduation rates.

Five other North Carolina state universities earned spots in the rankings: UNC Chapel Hill ranks first, N.C. State 12th, Appalachian State 31st, UNC Wilmington 35th and UNC Asheville 36th. Chapel Hill has held the top spot for six consecutive years. A year ago, N.C. State ranked 28th, Appalachian 33rd and UNC-Asheville 50th.

"I am proud that six of our universities are being recognized for their academic excellence and the value they provide to students and our state," Gov. Mike Easley told the Associated Press.

The full list is available online at the Web site http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/.