North Carolina College Named #3 ‘Best Bang for the Buck’

Going to college can be a fun time, but it can also be very stressful. On top of worrying about getting good grades and picking the right career path, students often have to worry about expenses. Going to an affordable school can make a huge difference for students. It can also make a big difference for parents who might be helping to pay for school. Well, one North Carolina college has been named the No. 3 "bang for your buck" in the Southeast.

The new ranking comes from the Washington Monthly. It's called their "America's Best Bang for the Buck Colleges," and its their "exclusive list of schools ranked according to how well they help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices—grouped by region." They added that, "The list is created by isolating the social mobility metrics from the main rankings of four-year institutions."

For more methodology, the Washington Monthly began with the "1,586 colleges in the 50 states that are listed in the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and have a 2021 Carnegie basic classification of doctoral, master’s, and baccalaureate colleges, are not exclusively graduate colleges, participate in federal financial aid programs, and had not announced an impending closure as of June 1, 2023." They also excluded certain colleges based on criteria. Also, find the full methodology here.

Looking at the Southeast, let's look at the top two. Hobe Sound Bible College in Florida is No. 1 on this list. Then, No. 2 is also in Florida, with Florida International University. Finally, No. 3 is Grace College of Divinity in North Carolina. We're also on the list at No. 10 with Duke University, No. 11 with Winston-Salem State University, No. 12 with Elizabeth City State University and No. 14 with Salem College. There are more Nort Carolina colleges on the list, too. Moreover, find the full tally of schools with the best bang for your buck here.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/