When families begin the process of searching for the right university or college, they’ll usually explore which institution is the most suitable for not only their young adult, but also their pockets.

That doesn't mean families are necessarily looking for the cheapest school, but it does mean it helps if a place of higher earning represents good value.

To help college-shopping families, U.S. News and World Report has evaluated 143 accredited universities and colleges to determine which did the best job of giving students the most for their money.

The study evaluated schools' costs and the quality of the educational experience they provided. The ranking considered factors including total costs, the salaries of school graduates, the availability of financial aid and average class size.

In fact, the cheapest school among those evaluated, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, came in at number 11. The most expensive college, meanwhile, was in the top 10.

These are the 10 best value schools in ascending order.

 

10. Duke University

Durham, N.C.

2017-2018 Tuition and fees: $53,744

2017-2018 Room and board: $15,500

Needs-based grant recipients: 41 percent

Classes with fewer than 20 students: 71.4 percent

Duke states that it has a need-blind admission policy, meaning the university covers 100 percent of a family’s needs after their contribution and regardless of the family’s ability to pay tuition and fees. Fifty percent of students in the 2017-2018 school year received some form of financial aid from the university. Students seeking to finance a study-abroad program they’ve been accepted into can apply for financial aid through the school.

Duke University