by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/cybersecurity-defense/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Our analysis ranked Regent University the best value for a degree in value in Virginia. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,650. Typical student debt for value graduates is $29,451. Early-career value graduates make about $67,561. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $60,004. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.