Don't take your money to the bank - according to a recently released survey, MSU is one of the best investments a student can make.

Both current and future Spartans alike can feel good about MSU being ranked 29th in Kiplinger's 100 Best Values in Public Colleges 2003. The university jumped up to that ranking from being 61st last year.

At a time when the entire nation is tightening its belt and publicly funded schools are taking big hits to their programs, the fact that MSU could make such a jump on this list is heartening. Kiplinger is a financial magazine that ranks four-year public colleges and universities in the United States based on cost and quality, among other factors.

It looks like MSU can now celebrate making a list other than Playboy's Top 25 Party Schools.

Despite ruthless budget cuts, the university has managed to only raise tuition by about 10 percent - while schools in other states have experienced tuition hikes upward of 40 percent. To deal with statewide cutbacks, MSU officials also chopped $31 million from its budget, eliminated 110 staff positions and canceled 15 academic programs.

While people might wince at these drastic measures, the university has managed to remain affordable for most students, which is especially appealing during bad economic times. MSU also has a recently revamped loan system, which saves the average student $2,600 in loan debt upon graduation. Having the monetary part of the equation holding fairly steady is one thing that might make MSU more appealing to future students.

Kiplinger's joins the side of publications such as US News & World Report as being a more credible source for college assessments. Many students take rankings seriously, and those looking for a quality education at an affordable price might now take a closer look to see what MSU is all about.

Despite the depressing economic times across the state and nation, MSU has continued to provide quality education for everyone - and that's good news anyone can take to the bank.