The University of Central Florida has earned its second recognition this month as 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 2010″ 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, costs of attendance and financial aid.

“There are many first-rate institutions offering outstanding academics at a relatively low cost of attendance and/or generous financial aid, including some that may surprise applicants,” said Robert Franek, publisher of The Princeton Review. “We’re pleased to have again teamed up with USA TODAY to identify and commend the 100 colleges that do just that and do it best in the nation.”

Last week, Kiplinger announced that UCF ranked 36th 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 continues to receive noteworthy national rankings, including recognition last year from U.S. News & World Report as a top 20 national university for students graduating with the least amount of debt, in the magazine’s “Great Schools, Great Prices” category.

U.S. News & World Report also named UCF one of the top five national universities to watch. UCF was the only Florida school listed in the category “Top Up-and-Coming Schools,” which includes national universities that “recently made the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities.”

To view the complete Princeton Review lists of “best value” colleges, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx or www.bestvaluecolleges.usatoday.com.

To view the Kiplinger rankings, go to www.kiplinger.com/reports/best-college-values.