Western Washington University is one of the 100 best values in public colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

The ranking cites four-year schools that combine outstanding education with economic value. In its February 2013 issue, Kiplinger’s magazine ranks WWU 74th on its list of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges for 2013.” WWU was listed 81st in 2012 .

“We are pleased to again be included on Kiplinger’s list of the best values in public higher education,” said WWU President Bruce Shepard, in a press release. “It’s a testament to our first rate faculty and staff, who are dedicated to fostering a genuinely collaborative learning environment where students can develop their intellectual potential and put their higher education to higher purposes. We’re proud that Western is not only a good value for students, but also helps them develop values of making a positive difference as well.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill topped the list, followed by the University of Virginia and the University of Florida. The University of Washington, the only other ranked school in the state of Washington, was 17th.

Kiplinger’s assesses quality according to a number of measurable standards, including the admission rate, the percentage of students who return for sophomore year, the student-faculty ratio and the four-year graduation rate. Cost criteria include low sticker prices, abundant financial aid and low average debt at graduation.

The annual public school rankings appear in Kiplinger’s February 2013 issue and online at http://www.kiplinger.com/links/college.