Binghamton University was the only SUNY school to rank in The Princeton Review’s 2012 “Top 10 Best Value Public Colleges,” with a No. 4 spot on the list.

BU retained its No. 4 ranking from the Princeton Review’s 2011 list and has been ranked in the top 10 since 2009.

University spokeswoman Gail Glover said that parents and students take these rankings seriously as they begin their college searches.

“Rankings like The Princeton Review gives Binghamton University more opportunities to attract talented students to join our vibrant campus community,” Glover said. “We provide an excellent education for undergraduate students and The Princeton Review recognizes both Binghamton’s excellence and value.”

Along with this ranking, BU has also been recognized on Kiplinger’s list for best value for out-of-state students, placing second to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Princeton Review’s “Best Value” schools were assessed based on three primary components including academics, student feedback, and cost of attendance and financial aid.

According to The Princeton Review website, colleges on the list are recognized for their affordability in order to keep costs down while still offering generous aid to applicants with financial need.

Robert Franek, senior vice president for The Princeton Review and lead author of the book “Best Value Colleges,” wrote in a Feb. 7 press release that he recognizes that many parents and students worry about tuition costs.

He added that of the 12,000 teen and parent respondents to Princeton Review’s “College Hopes & Worries Survey,” conducted in 2001, 86 percent reported financial aid would be “very necessary” for them to pay for college.

Rachel Appel, a sophomore majoring in management, said BU is affordable, even for students from outside New York.

“While tuition has increased a lot since I started as a freshman, I would still say BU is fairly priced, especially for out-of-state students like myself,” Appel said.

Brian Schnabl, a freshman majoring in industrial and systems engineering, agreed.

“To be able to receive an excellent education at less than half the cost of some private schools is pretty great,” Schnabl said. “Private school prices are absurd.”