by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/human-centered-technology-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington the best value for a degree in value in the Middle Atlantic Region. Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Abington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,268, while out-of-state students pay about $25,664. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 97%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned it the #2 place for value. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,704, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Value graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $46,981. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. William Paterson University Of New Jersey admits about 90% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Capitol College, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Laurel, Capitol College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,592. Value graduates carry a median of $26,790 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $63,334. Set against $26,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Capitol College admits about 74% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Thomas Jefferson University earned it the #5 place for value. Thomas Jefferson University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $47,355 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,256 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $64,243. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. Thomas Jefferson University admits about 81% of applicants.
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $138,781. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in value this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Drexel University earned the #8 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $67,556. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
