by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/forensic-science-and-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 7 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.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Marshall University this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $51,959. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
American Public University System is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical student debt for value graduates is $32,294. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from American Public University System generally make around $49,622. That is a strong return on a $32,294 median debt.
West Virginia University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,324 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from West Virginia University generally make around $59,347. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.