2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Value graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $60,387. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

Morehead State University
Morehead, KY

A rank of #2 makes Morehead State University one of the best values for value. Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Morehead. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,896 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $41,046 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants.

3

The University Of Tennessee Martin
Martin, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Tennessee Martin earned it the #3 place for value. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Martin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,770. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee Martin generally make around $40,400. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

4

Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN

A rank of #4 makes Lincoln Memorial University one of the best values for value. Set in the town of Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,938 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,693. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Lincoln Memorial University generally make around $64,307. Set against $20,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

5

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

A rank of #5 makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.

6

Southwest Florida College
Fort Myers, FL

Southwest Florida College came in at #6 for value in value this year. Southwest Florida College is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Fort Myers. Students from in state pay about $15,125 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,641. Value graduates of Southwest Florida College earn a median of $36,455 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt.