The University of Kansas, which offers incoming freshmen a four-year fixed-rate tuition, ranks among the best educational values in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.

KU is among the 100 Best Value Colleges 2009, which includes 50 public and 50 private institutions. Rankings are based on surveys of administrators and students at more than 650 public and private colleges and universities. The selection criteria covered more than 30 factors in three areas: academics, costs of attendance and financial aid. The data is from the 2007-'08 academic year, the first year in which KU’s tuition compact was in effect.

“We know that college is a major expense for students and their families, so we work hard to keep costs affordable while continuing to offer an excellent education,” said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. “Our tuition compact allows families to plan four years in advance, which is particularly important in these challenging economic times. It’s gratifying to see our efforts have been recognized.”

The Princeton Review rankings touted KU’s excellence in a variety of fields of study, including business, communications, education, engineering, journalism, music, nursing, premedical sciences and the social sciences.