On a Fiske scale of "inexpensive, moderate, expensive and very expensive" private schools, BYU fell into the inexpensive range, which helped earn it a best-buy designation by the guide. Jenkins credited the low cost to "wise" fiscal management and the LDS Church.

"We are sponsored by the church, which does provide an important means of support for the university," Jenkins said.

Alder downplayed the student quotes in the guide. She did add, however, that they play into an ongoing rivalry between the schools.

"I think students do refer to them . . . I don't think they make their final decisions based on the quotes and comments from the random students or whomever they quote."

Quoting an unnamed BYU senior, the guide states, "The students here are the cream of an already creamy crop. They differ because of the honor code and their religious pursuit."

The author also quotes in bold letters a U. student who says, "The best thing about students at U is that they are friendly to all, supportive of each other, and you can do whatever you want."

Alder said a student's choice of colleges should be based on what they think will be the best environment for them. "That's the decision they need to make."

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com