by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-systems-networking/cloud-computing/) 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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is El Centro College, our #1 best value for value in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Students borrow a median of $13,417 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $45,650 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,417 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Victoria College earned it the #2 place for value. Victoria College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Victoria. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,976, with out-of-state students paying around $5,328. Value graduates carry a median of $10,910 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Victoria College generally make around $50,201. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northwest Vista College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, Northwest Vista College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,412, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Value graduates carry a median of $9,189 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $29,349. Set against $9,189 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Collin County Community College District one of the best values for value. Set in the suburb of McKinney, Collin County Community College District is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Value graduates carry a median of $9,716 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $42,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Laredo Community College earned it the #5 place for value. Located in the city of Laredo, Laredo Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Laredo Community College generally make around $41,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Blinn College placed #6 among the best values for value. Set in the town of Brenham, Blinn College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,370. Value graduates carry a median of $16,465 in student loans. Value graduates of Blinn College earn a median of $43,408 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,465 median debt.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az placed #7 among the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
Mesa Community College came in at #8 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chandler Gilbert Community College placed #9 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for value graduates is $10,447. Early-career value graduates make about $46,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #10 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Value graduates carry a median of $39,645 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Phoenix Arizona generally make around $65,474. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This ranking is produced 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.