by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/marketing/digital-marketing/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Macomb Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value value schools in Michigan. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Value graduates carry a median of $9,862 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $38,758. That is a strong return on a $9,862 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Washtenaw Community College one of the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,736 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Students borrow a median of $17,616 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Washtenaw Community College earn a median of $45,332 early in their careers. Set against $17,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Lake Michigan College, which ranked #3. Set in the rural area of Benton Harbor, Lake Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,445, compared with $7,755 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $14,473. Early-career value graduates make about $50,185. That is a strong return on a $14,473 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Michigan Dearborn one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $46,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saginaw Valley State University earned it the #5 place for value. Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Center. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $44,376. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
Adrian College earned the #6 position for value in value this year. Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Adrian. In-state tuition and fees average $41,684. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Adrian College generally make around $44,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.