Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine has ranked N.C. Central University in the top 100 most affordable quality public universities in the U.S.

“[NCCU] combines great academics with affordable tuitions,” according to the article accompanying the survey.

The magazine surveyed over 500 public colleges to find the top 100 bargains.

The survey was based on the entrance exams of the 2001 freshman class, freshman who returned for their sophomore year, graduation rates and student-teacher ratio.

According to Kiplinger’s, the results were based mostly on quality, with cost factored in.

NCCU ranked 49th in the survey, making it the top historically black college or university in the state.

Other North Carolina schools ranked in the magazine are UNC-Chapel Hill at No. 1 and N.C. State at No. 17.

Chancellor James H. Ammons said that the numbers are pretty impressive and significant.

“More of the nation’s top high school students are choosing NCCU over other schools,” said Ammons.

Ammons said the university plans to be ranked even higher next time.

“Beginning this semester we’re making major investments in the library, increasing library expenditure,” he said.

Ammons also said there will be tutorials outside the classroom for students who need extra help in their courses. This is expected to help students keep pace and graduate in four years.

According to Ammons, NCCU plans to focus on creating a climate that will keep students coming back. The university also plans to continue providing “quality” academics for its students.

Some students agree that NCCU is a bargain .

“I think the rating is well deserved because Central is a quality, affordable school for students who may not have had a chance to go to some Ivy League school,” said April Collier, a junior computer science major.

One student thinks NCCU should have done a little better in the rating.

“They should have rated us like number five because compared to the last two years, Central is more updated,” said sophomore marketing major Jonathan Ogboroge.

Other students seem to feel differently about NCCU’s ranking, pointing out that out-of-state tuition can be rather costly.

“I think we should be 100th because out-of-state prices are ridiculous compared to in-state,” said Gerard Edwards, a junior computer information systems major.

Out-of-state tuition at NCCU is $17,562, and in-state is $8,606.