by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/human-centered-technology-design/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 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.
Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington the best value for a degree in value in Pennsylvania. Located in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,268, while out-of-state students pay about $25,664. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Thomas Jefferson University one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. 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. Set against $32,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,529. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $138,781. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Drexel University landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Typical student debt for value graduates is $28,838. Value graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.