by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/cyber-computer-forensics-and-counterterrorism/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is National University, our #1 best value for value in California. Set in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Value graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Value graduates of National University earn a median of $50,462 early in their careers. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of San Diego, which ranked #2. Set in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,486. Value graduates carry a median of $23,795 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $97,944 early in their careers. Set against $23,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Southern California, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,625. Early-career value graduates make about $75,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.