by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/engineering/general-engineering/applied-engineering/) 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 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Daytona State College this year. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,106, compared with $11,994 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $14,227 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide earned it the #2 place for value. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,097. Students borrow a median of $20,787 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $76,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Savannah College Of Art And Design is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Savannah, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,630. Value graduates carry a median of $26,346 in student loans. Value graduates of Savannah College Of Art And Design earn a median of $40,671 early in their careers. Set against $26,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.