by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-science-technology/viticulture-and-enology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Santa Rosa Junior College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. Students borrow a median of $14,692 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $80,047. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at California State University Fresno, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Value graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Value graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $45,796 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Typical student debt for value graduates is $14,750. Early-career value graduates make about $53,749. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.
Washington State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical student debt for value graduates is $14,780. Value graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $47,970 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $20,654 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $52,240. Set against $20,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.