2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Towson University
Towson, MD

For return on investment in value, no school beat Towson University this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Typical student debt for value graduates is $18,750. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $56,953. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.

2

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

A rank of #2 makes Suny At Albany one of the best values for value. Suny At Albany is a very large public school located in the city of Albany. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Value graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Value graduates of Suny At Albany earn a median of $44,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

3

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University At Buffalo earned it the #3 place for value. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,232. Value graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

4

Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA

A rank of #4 makes Point Park University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,570. Students borrow a median of $28,323 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Point Park University earn a median of $40,759 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,323 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA

Elizabethtown College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,950. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Elizabethtown College generally make around $57,397. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

6

Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Wilkes University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wilkes-Barre. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,496. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $53,433. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

7

Lebanon Valley College
Annville, PA

Lebanon Valley College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of Annville, Lebanon Valley College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,080. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Lebanon Valley College generally make around $51,300. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lebanon Valley College admits about 84% of applicants.

8

University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester came in at #8 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Rochester, University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,080 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,517. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Rochester generally make around $60,865. Set against $21,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%.