by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-analytics/general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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 Eastern University this year. Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Davids. Students from in state pay about $38,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,584 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $50,474. That is a strong return on a $28,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Value graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Lehigh University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Lehigh University earn a median of $70,321 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 26%.
A rank of #4 makes Dickinson College one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Carlisle, Dickinson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,650 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $19,014 in student loans. Value graduates of Dickinson College earn a median of $39,937 early in their careers. Set against $19,014 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dickinson College admits about 42% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.