by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/applied-engineering/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 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.
Daytona State College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in the Southeast Region. Daytona State College is a large public school located in the city of Daytona Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,106, with out-of-state students paying around $11,994. Value graduates carry a median of $14,227 in student loans. Value graduates of Daytona State College earn a median of $43,320 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,227 median debt.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,097. Value graduates carry a median of $20,787 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide generally make around $76,517. Set against $20,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Savannah College Of Art And Design earned it the #3 place for value. Savannah College Of Art And Design is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Savannah. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,630. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,346. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Savannah College Of Art And Design generally make around $40,671. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.