by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/engineering-technologies/energy-systems/) 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 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Central New Mexico Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Southwest Region. Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $10,112. Early-career value graduates make about $34,751. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Texas State Technical College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Waco, Texas State Technical College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,212, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. Value graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Value graduates of Texas State Technical College earn a median of $40,747 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.
Texas Tech University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,271. Value graduates of Texas Tech University earn a median of $50,332 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants.
Refrigeration School Inc is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Refrigeration School Inc is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $19,919 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $51,772. Set against $19,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The ranking above is published 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.