by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) 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 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.
Ivy Tech Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in Indiana. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $11,889 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $40,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Early-career value graduates make about $48,975. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Value graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $53,952. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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.