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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Charter Oak State College the best value for a degree in value in Connecticut. Charter Oak State College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of New Britain. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,506. Value graduates carry a median of $23,584 in student loans. Value graduates of Charter Oak State College earn a median of $62,864 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of New Haven, which ranked #2. University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Haven. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,332. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of New Haven generally make around $47,091. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants.
Sacred Heart University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,404. Students borrow a median of $25,831 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $62,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sacred Heart University admits about 65% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.