by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
University Of Kansas earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,608. Early-career value graduates make about $56,289. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
South Dakota State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Value graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $51,260. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Duluth one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,624. Value graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $46,572 early in their careers. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Macalester College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Students borrow a median of $22,147 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Macalester College earn a median of $42,517 early in their careers. Set against $22,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.