by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
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.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Austin Community College District this year. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical student debt for value graduates is $16,378. Early-career value graduates make about $44,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Arizona is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,861. Early-career value graduates make about $50,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes American Intercontinental University Online one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Chandler, American Intercontinental University Online is a very large private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,397. Value graduates carry a median of $37,625 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $32,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.