by our College Data Analytics Team
[Retail Management](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/business-administration-and-management/retail-management/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value retail management schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the retail management degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Rio Salado College, our #1 best value for retail management in Arizona. Rio Salado College is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Students borrow a median of $13,679 to complete the retail management program here. Early-career retail management graduates make about $48,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona Western College earned it the #2 place for retail management. Located in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,060, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Soon after graduation, retail management degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
A rank of #3 makes Phoenix College one of the best values for retail management. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for retail management graduates is $11,500. Soon after graduation, retail management degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $56,057. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.
South Mountain Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in retail management, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, South Mountain Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,825.
Students looking for strong value in retail management will find it at Glendale Community College Glendale Az, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Retail Management graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Retail Management graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #6 for value in retail management this year. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $21,752 to complete the retail management program here. Early-career retail management graduates make about $78,359. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chandler Gilbert Community College placed #7 among the best values for retail management. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public school located in the city of Chandler. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,121 to complete the retail management program here. Retail Management graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gateway Community College Phoenix earned the #8 position for value in retail management this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Gateway Community College Phoenix is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for retail management graduates is $15,736. Retail Management graduates of Gateway Community College Phoenix earn a median of $50,350 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,736 median debt.
Mesa Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value retail management schools. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Retail Management graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Early-career retail management graduates make about $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Scottsdale Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value retail management schools. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for retail management graduates is $8,917. Early-career retail management graduates make about $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Arizona ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value retail management schools. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,112 to complete the retail management program here. Retail Management graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $83,193 early in their careers. Set against $24,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.