by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 16 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.
Our analysis ranked Washtenaw Community College the best value for a degree in value in Michigan. Washtenaw Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. Value graduates of Washtenaw Community College earn a median of $45,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,616 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Wayne County Community College District one of the best values for value. Wayne County Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,820 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Wayne County Community College District earn a median of $48,892 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,820 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Madonna University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Livonia, Madonna University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,440. Students borrow a median of $26,896 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $56,984. Set against $26,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Madonna University admits about 63% of applicants.
Michigan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,213. Early-career value graduates make about $54,166. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.