by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/ethnic-cultural-other/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 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.
Leading the list is University Of Washington Seattle Campus, our #1 best value for value in Washington. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Value graduates carry a median of $15,056 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $31,459. That is a strong return on a $15,056 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.
Western Washington University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $41,118. That is a strong return on a $20,361 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Seattle Pacific University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Value graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $52,713. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle Pacific University admits about 83% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Puget Sound, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,898. Students borrow a median of $21,215 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Puget Sound generally make around $25,623. Set against $21,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puget Sound admits about 72% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.