by our College Data Analytics Team
[Community College Education](/majors/education/educational-administration/community-college-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong community college education education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value community college education schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the community college education degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in community college education, no school beat Ferris State University this year. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $23,562. Early-career community college education graduates make about $96,834. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Ball State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in community college education, landing the #2 spot this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete the community college education program here. Community College Education graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $63,782 early in their careers. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #3 place for community college education. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete the community college education program here. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $47,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in community college education will find it at Central Michigan University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $27,857. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $76,885. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in community college education will find it at Kent State University At Kent, which ranked #5. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $25,174. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $54,199. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.