BINGHAMTON — The Princeton Review named Binghamton University the nation’s number four “Best Value Public” college for 2012. The Massachusetts–based education-services company profiles Binghamton University in its newly published book, “The Best Value Colleges: 2012,” and on its website www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx.

In the profile of Binghamton, the editors at The Princeton Review praised the school for its “top-tier academics and palatable sticker price,” and noted that in quotes from student surveys, the university is described as a place where students save money while getting an “amazing education.”

“We commend Binghamton University and all of the extraordinary colleges on our 2012 ‘Best Value Colleges’ list for all they are doing to keep costs down and/or offer generous aid to applicants with financial need — all while maintaining excellent academic programs,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s senior vice president/publisher and lead author of the book.

“The Best Value Colleges,” 2012 Edition, subtitled “The 150 Best Buy Colleges and What It Takes to Get In,” features profiles of 75 public and 75 private colleges with detailed information about campus culture, facilities, and financial-aid offerings. Of the 75 schools in each group, the top 10 colleges are ranked with the remaining 65 listed in alphabetical order.

The Princeton Review selected its “Best Value Colleges” based on institutional data and student-opinion surveys collected from 650 colleges and universities the company regards as the nation’s best undergraduate institutions. The selection process analyzed more than 30 data points broadly covering academics, cost, and financial aid.