For the 18th straight year, the University of Iowa was named a “Best Buy” in the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

“A bargain compared with other Big Ten schools such as Michigan and Illinois. Iowa is world-famous for its creative writing program and Writers’ Workshop. Other areas of strength include health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and business,” according to the guide.

Each year, Fiske designates 20 college and universities—10 public and 10 private—as “Best Buys,” institutions where students get a high-quality education and academic experience for a relatively low price.

Iowa is one of the 10 public universities on the list.

To be named a best buy, schools had to have high academic rankings, a moderate price, and a high quality of student life on campus.

“The university is a regional draw, although more students are arriving from outside the Midwest,” the guide says.

Visit the UI Office of Admissions website for more information about applying to Iowa.