In fall UCLA was named one of the best universities in the world by Times Higher Education in the UK.

Next month's Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine gives the Westwood school an even more important distinction:

One of the “10 Best Public College Values” in the United States for 2013:

UCLA ranked 6th.

Of course, we noted in 2009 that UC tuition has tripled in 10 years. And Kiplinger's admits “tuition and fees have risen 72% in California since 2007-08.”

So what gives?

The magazine argues that UCLA is still a good value, particularly in light of its world-class education.

Credit: UCLA

Credit: UCLA

It says UCLA admits only 25 percent of applicants, 44 percent of whom score 700 or greater on their math SATs and 22 percent besting 700 on verbal.

In-state tuition is $26,888, says the mag, but the school says nearly half of the undergrads on campus pay nothing as a result of grants, scholarships and other financial aid.

UCLA beat out UC Berkeley, which came in at number 8. UC San Diego wrapped up the top 10. Number one?

The University of North Carolina, which costs only $18,609 for in-state students.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.