by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/forensic-science-and-technology/) 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 10 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.
Leading the list is Harper College, our #1 best value for value in Illinois. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, compared with $11,874 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Value graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #2. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $61,829 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Lewis University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,200. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,838. Early-career value graduates make about $55,718. Set against $24,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lewis University admits about 71% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Loyola University Chicago earned it the #4 place for value. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,521. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $51,202. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.