Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

October 2, 2002

UNM NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S 100 BEST COLLEGE BUYS®

For the seventh consecutive year, the University of New Mexico has been named in the annual report on America's 100 Best College Buys® designating UNM one of America's best college educations for the cost.

Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. compiled the list from a survey of 1,485 accredited U.S. colleges and universities offering four-year undergraduate degree programs. Of the institutions surveyed, 1,026 schools responded.

The survey results showed that UNM's 2002-03 out-of-state cost was $16,596 compared to the national average at a public institution of $19,430. UNM's out-of-state cost actually dropped from last year's when it was $16,746.

UNM President Dr. F. Chris Garcia said he was very pleased that UNM was again named to the list.

"I am delighted that for the seventh year, we continue to be named in the report," Garcia said. "Our standing among America's Best 100 College Buys demonstrates UNM's commitment to provide our students with a quality education at an affordable price. Quality is key to the equation as is affordability."

To be considered for the designation of the America's 100 Best College Buys® the institution must be an accredited four-year institution offering bachelor degrees, offer UNM named one of America's full residential facilities including residence halls and dining services, have an out-of- state cost of attendance in 2002-03 for three quarters or two semesters below the national average cost of attendance or not exceeding the national average cost by more than 10 percent.

In addition, an institution must have had an entering freshmen class in the fall of 2000 with a high school grade point average and/or SAT/ACT score equal to or above the national for entering college freshmen.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981