by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-analytics/general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 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.
Our analysis ranked Miami Dade College the best value for a degree in value in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, with out-of-state students paying around $9,661. Value graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $40,267. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Kentucky University earned it the #2 place for value. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $44,778. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at North Carolina A And T State University, which ranked #3. North Carolina A And T State University is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Value graduates carry a median of $29,078 in student loans. Value graduates of North Carolina A And T State University earn a median of $50,715 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,078 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned it the #4 place for value. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of University. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,444. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Mississippi Main Campus generally make around $50,876. That is a strong return on a $22,444 median debt. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Kennesaw State University, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $53,824. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants.
George Mason University landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,529. Value graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $63,131 early in their careers. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Charleston landed the #7 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Charleston, University Of Charleston is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,617. Students borrow a median of $22,646 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Charleston generally make around $64,407. Set against $22,646 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Charleston admits about 62% of applicants.
Virginia Commonwealth University earned the #8 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,813. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $57,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.
Anderson University Sc ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Anderson, Anderson University Sc is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,970 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,034 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $49,036. Set against $28,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Anderson University Sc admits about 55% of applicants.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Southern College placed #11 among the best values for value. Florida Southern College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lakeland. In-state tuition and fees average $44,040. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,357. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Florida Southern College generally make around $48,665. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Southern College admits about 64% of applicants.
University Of Richmond came in at #12 for value in value this year. Located in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,230. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,634. Value graduates of University Of Richmond earn a median of $53,815 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,634 median debt. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.