by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-analytics/business-analytics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is University Of The Pacific, our #1 best value for value in California. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $57,080. Value graduates carry a median of $23,514 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of The Pacific generally make around $77,022. That is a strong return on a $23,514 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Marys College Of California earned it the #2 place for value. Set in the suburb of Moraga, Saint Marys College Of California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,803. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,041. Value graduates of Saint Marys College Of California earn a median of $59,760 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of San Diego one of the best values for value. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,795. Early-career value graduates make about $68,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,625. Value graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $75,677 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at California Institute Of Arts And Technology, which ranked #5. California Institute Of Arts And Technology is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the suburb of National City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,270. Students borrow a median of $21,696 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from California Institute Of Arts And Technology generally make around $48,778.
University Of San Francisco earned the #6 position for value in value this year. University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $23,935 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of San Francisco generally make around $65,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.