PEMBROKE, N.C., Sept. 22 -- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke issued the following news release:

UNC Pembroke earned a top 10 ranking for value in the

2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, placing No. 6 among all ranked public regional universities in the South in the publication's inaugural Best Value for In-State Students category.

UNCP also climbed eight positions to No. 21 in the overall Best Value Schools ranking. The university has the lowest net cost - $12,362 - among all ranked public regional universities in the South, with one in two UNCP undergraduate students graduating debt-free.

"Our students and their families expect a high-quality education that is also within reach, and we take that responsibi...