by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 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 St Clair County Community College this year. Set in the suburb of Port Huron, St Clair County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,212, while out-of-state students pay about $12,150. Value graduates carry a median of $16,379 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $32,691. Set against $16,379 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kellogg Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,118, compared with $8,282 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,432. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Kellogg Community College generally make around $32,616. Set against $20,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ivy Tech Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,215 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Ivy Tech Community College earn a median of $33,881 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wayne County Community College District is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne County Community College District is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,112 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Students borrow a median of $20,820 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Wayne County Community College District earn a median of $48,892 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State Community College earned it the #5 place for value. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Students borrow a median of $16,291 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Washington State Community College generally make around $45,305. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Purdue University Global came in at #6 for value in value this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,101, compared with $14,412 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,137 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $52,005. That is a strong return on a $25,137 median debt.
Indiana Institute Of Technology College Of Professional Studies came in at #7 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana Institute Of Technology College Of Professional Studies is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $9,896 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $37,273. Early-career value graduates make about $35,419. Set against $37,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Olivet College landed the #8 spot for value value this year. Located in the rural area of Olivet, Olivet College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,068. Value graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Olivet College generally make around $48,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Indiana Institute Of Technology landed the #9 spot for value value this year. Indiana Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Students from in state pay about $31,361 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $37,273. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Indiana Institute Of Technology generally make around $35,419. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana Institute Of Technology admits about 70% of applicants.
Loyola University Chicago came in at #10 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Value graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $42,128. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.