The fifth edition of Barron's Best Buys in College Education has listed UConn among the 280 best buys in college education.

The book, which also included UConn in its fourth edition, cited the University's excellent faculty, affordable cost, and campus atmosphere in making the selection.

"Students who come to Connecticut to impress their friends should head south to Yale. Those who come with an eye toward saving several thousand dollars and would relish personal attention, but won't wilt without it, should not only learn a lot but also have a good time doing it" and should attend UConn, the new edition says.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London is the only other Connecticut institution listed in the book, which eliminated most schools where tuition, fees, room and board exceeded $25,000 annually. Other criteria for inclusion: at least 66 percent of faculty members must hold Ph.D.'s; more than half the entering freshmen must graduate in four or five years; and a significant number of graduates must pursue advanced degrees. A data set also was built using test scores, class sizes, high school rank of freshmen, and other items.

The editors also solicited input from students, whose opinions were considered a key factor in the rating.

"In the five semesters I have attended UConn, I have encountered only two professors who I thought were poor teachers; for the most part, the rest were excellent," one student from out of state told Barron's editors.

"UConn can give a wonderful education and an all-around balanced life," added a physics major, "but the student must choose between grades and too much fun."

Overall, the editors said, "state residents and other students accustomed to looking only at New England's pricier, private options are finding a welcome surprise at (the University of) Connecticut. They may expect another large, impersonal state university, but many discover that a degree from UConn can 'pack a punch' all its own."

Richard Veilleux