by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 30 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Sinclair Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical student debt for value graduates is $12,525. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $35,348. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Washington State Community College, which ranked #2. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Typical student debt for value graduates is $16,291. Value graduates of Washington State Community College earn a median of $45,305 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Main Campus earned it the #3 place for value. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Value graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $49,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Akron Main Campus one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Akron Main Campus earn a median of $49,045 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,530. Early-career value graduates make about $58,659. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Tiffin University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the town of Tiffin, Tiffin University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,790. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $38,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tiffin University admits about 80% of applicants.
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 · 30 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.