by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/early-childhood-and-family-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
South Texas College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in the Southwest Region. South Texas College is a very large public school located in the city of McAllen. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical student debt for value graduates is $6,868. Early-career value graduates make about $19,971. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas Pan American earned it the #2 place for value. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,871. Value graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $26,897 early in their careers. Set against $20,871 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Rose State College, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Midwest City, Rose State College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $11,407. Students borrow a median of $13,451 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Rose State College earn a median of $50,860 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Tarleton State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Tarleton State University is a large public school located in the town of Stephenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Value graduates carry a median of $23,222 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $50,532. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.