2026 Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Schools
[Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-software-and-apps/modeling-virtual-environments-and-simulation/) 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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 53 schools to find the best return on investment for modeling, virtual environments & simulation students.
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Finding the Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation School for You
Where you study modeling, virtual environments & simulation affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Read more about our methodology
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
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2026 Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation Schools
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best value for modeling, virtual environments & simulation in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Students borrow a median of $9,532 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $49,581 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,532 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of California Irvine came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value modeling, virtual environments & simulation schools. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $21,650. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $50,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College one of the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. Located in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $11,653 in student loans. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
County College Of Morris is a great value for students pursuing a degree in modeling, virtual environments & simulation, landing the #4 spot this year. County College Of Morris is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Randolph. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,210, with out-of-state students paying around $14,310. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $9,420 in student loans. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from County College Of Morris generally make around $30,966. Set against $9,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation will find it at University Of Maryland College Park, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $57,901. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Houston Victoria landed the #6 spot for modeling, virtual environments & simulation value this year. Located in the city of Victoria, University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,149, compared with $16,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $24,081. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $47,345. Set against $24,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Victoria admits about 96% of applicants.
Eastern Iowa Community College District earned the #7 position for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,848, compared with $6,456 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $15,995. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $41,510. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #8 for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $40,920. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.
Butler Community College earned the #9 position for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Set in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,670 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Butler Community College earn a median of $39,404 early in their careers. Set against $16,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value modeling, virtual environments & simulation schools. Set in the city of Colorado Springs, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs earn a median of $62,018 early in their careers. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value modeling, virtual environments & simulation schools. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $54,639. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #12 for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $58,659. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Rider University placed #13 among the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. Set in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $26,241. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $48,601. That is a strong return on a $26,241 median debt. Rider University admits about 79% of applicants.
Robert Morris University earned the #14 position for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Moon Township. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,770. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $26,748. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Robert Morris University earn a median of $86,750 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,748 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Neumont University came in at #15 for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, Neumont University is a small private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,360. Median earnings reach $97,827 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Rochester Institute Of Technology earned the #16 position for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $27,000. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $69,052 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #17 for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $99,682. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.
University Of Dayton placed #18 among the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $56,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
Cogswell Polytechnical College came in at #19 for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Located in the city of San Jose, Cogswell Polytechnical College is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,480. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from Cogswell Polytechnical College generally make around $37,693. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cogswell Polytechnical College admits about 51% of applicants.
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #20 spot for modeling, virtual environments & simulation value this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California placed #21 among the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $118,936. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
Academy Of Art University placed #22 among the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. Located in the city of San Francisco, Academy Of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,736. Typical student debt for modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates is $36,858. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from Academy Of Art University generally make around $43,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Academy Of Interactive Entertainment Seattle ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value modeling, virtual environments & simulation schools. Set in the city of Seattle, Academy Of Interactive Entertainment Seattle is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates of Academy Of Interactive Entertainment Seattle earn a median of $24,750 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Digipen Institute Of Technology earned the #24 position for value in modeling, virtual environments & simulation this year. Digipen Institute Of Technology is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Redmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,950. Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career modeling, virtual environments & simulation graduates make about $81,885. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
California Institute Of The Arts placed #25 among the best values for modeling, virtual environments & simulation. Set in the suburb of Valencia, California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,996. Students borrow a median of $26,031 to complete the modeling, virtual environments & simulation program here. Soon after graduation, modeling, virtual environments & simulation degree recipients from California Institute Of The Arts generally make around $22,475. That is a strong return on a $26,031 median debt. California Institute Of The Arts admits about 32% of applicants.
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Notes and References
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 · 53 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
