The University of Central Florida is one of the nation’s “best value” colleges and universities.

The Princeton Review, one of America’s best-known education services and test preparation companies, has joined Kiplinger magazine in selecting a UCF education as one of the best values in the country.

“The Princeton Review Best Value Colleges for 2011” was posted today on the Web sites of The Princeton Review and USA Today.

The Princeton Review selected its 100 “best value” institutions — 50 public universities and 50 private colleges — based on its surveys of administrators and students at more than 650 institutions. The selection criteria covered academics, cost of attendance and financial aid.

Last month, Kiplinger announced that UCF ranked 33rd on its list of the best college values in the country. Like The Princeton Review, Kiplinger selected colleges that combine excellent economic value with an outstanding education. UCF has advanced 12 spots in just two years on the Kiplinger report.

UCF continues to receive noteworthy national rankings, including recognition last year from U.S. News & World Report as a “Top Up-and-Coming School.” UCF was the only Florida school ranked in that category, which includes national universities that “recently made the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities.”