The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2019 has named the University of Arizona as one of the nation's top values in higher education in its annual list of "Best Buy" schools.

The Fiske Guide to Colleges, founded in 1982, evaluates schools noted for quality academic offerings and affordable cost for its annual "Best Buy" list. The UA was one of 20 out of more than 320 colleges and universities in the U.S. – and one of only 10 public universities – to qualify for the list.

"At the UA, we are committed to providing the best possible education at the lowest possible cost so that our students have the skills needed to be the innovators, leaders and global citizens in a rapidly changing 21st-century landscape," said UA President Robert C. Robbins. "Being named on this list is a reflection of our continuing efforts, the excellence our faculty bring to the classroom and lab, and the hard work our students put into their futures. I am proud that the UA has been recognized in this way."

According to Fiske Guide editors, the evaluations are to determine which schools offer "outstanding educational value as determined by academic quality in relation to the net cost of attendance."

The Fiske ranking confirms the results of a Gallup poll conducted in 2016 that found that nine out of 10 UA graduates agree or strongly agree their UA education was worth the cost.

"This recognition from Fiske shows the University of Arizona's deep commitment to ensuring our students achieve their goals of earning a college degree from one of the nation's top research universities in an affordable way," said Kasey Urquidez, UA dean of undergraduate admissions and vice president for enrollment management and student affairs advancement. "The UA has always strived to create an accessible, affordable educational experience for all of our students."

The Fiske Guide writes that the UA's "large and highly regarded honors college attracts top students, as do excellent programs in the sciences, engineering and business," adding that the "vast majority of UA students are outgoing and openhearted."

Fiske also highlighted the UA's 100% Engagement initiative, which "provides every interested student the opportunity to have a significant real-world learning experience."

Edward B. Fiske, founder of the Fiske Guide for Colleges, served for 17 years as education editor of The New York Times. He began the Fiske Guide to give college-bound students and their families better information on which to base their educational choices.