For the fifth time in six years, the University of Arizona is among 200 colleges and universities featured in The Princeton Review's "The Best Value Colleges," formerly known as "Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Schools That Give You the Best Bang for Your Tuition Buck."

"Our top priority at the University of Arizona is to provide affordable world-class educational opportunities for all of our students," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "As a student-centric research university, we take pride in the fact that a degree from the University of Arizona generates a tremendous return on investment. I am proud these efforts are once again reflected by The Princeton Review."

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on return-on-investment ratings. The ratings weighted more than 40 data points that covered everything from academics, cost and financial aid to graduation rates, student debt, alumni salaries and job satisfaction. Princeton Review editors culled data from the company's surveys of administrators and students in 2018-2019 and from PayScale.com surveys of school alumni conducted through April 2019. A total of 656 schools were considered.

The Princeton Review does not rank the schools on the "Best Value" list, but ratings are given in "The 385 Best Colleges: 2020 Edition," where The Princeton Review rates schools on a scale of 60 to 99 in several categories. In the 2020 edition, released Aug. 6, the university earned top scores in sustainability (95 out of a possible 100), fire safety (91) and quality of life (85).

The Princeton Review also publishes several top-20 ratings for various categories relating to academics and campus life. The university earned recognition for active Greek life (No. 11) and best health services (No. 12).

Students surveyed by The Princeton Review described the University of Arizona as "a perfect blend of long-lasting traditions, strong spirit … and empowering devotion to the community" with professors that are "very passionate about their research and the subject material for the course." According to PayScale.com, the average University of Arizona graduate earns a starting salary of $56,100.

In May, the university was ranked No. 62 on Forbes' fourth annual "Best Value Colleges" list – a 46-spot jump from the university's ranking in 2018. The university's overall score placed it at No. 34 among public universities and No. 41 among research institutions.