http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/best-values-in-public-colleges-2012.html.

To get the most out of this article start by reviewing their criteria and note the ratings for some public universities vary substantially when considering as an in-state student or out-of-state student. Despite substantial cuts the University of North Carolina appears to continue to protect the classroom. A lesson the University of California should study. Good news UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC San Diego are in the top 10 this year which has not always been the case in past years. Note Kiplinger ranks private universities as well. Again the key to considering rankings whether Kiplinger, US News, Colleges that Change Lives or others is to first understand their criteria.