Staff Report

Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and College of Charleston all rank among the best deals in public education, according to Kiplinger’s 2008 annual ranking.

Clemson claims the highest spot among the three, ranking No. 33 of 100, but fell from No. 29 last year.  

USC, meanwhile, jumped 16 spots to No. 35, after dropping 20 spots in 2006.

College of Charleston also made the list at No. 70, down from 47 last year, as the cost to attend the school increased from an average $14,762 to $17,272.

To compile the list, Kiplinger analyzes student SAT and ACT scores, university enrollment, student-faculty ratio, graduation rates, total cost and average debt after graduation. The financial magazine will release the ranking in its February issue.

Kiplinger did not mention Clemson or the College of Charleston in the article but singled out USC’s rise on the list for “a more competitive admission rate, plus better test scores.” 

“The 2007 freshman class entered the university with the highest average SAT score in our history,” said USC President Andrew Sorensen.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned top honors for the seventh straight year.