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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 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.
Johnston Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in North Carolina. Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Smithfield. In-state tuition and fees average $2,756, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Typical student debt for value graduates is $9,490. Value graduates of Johnston Community College earn a median of $37,472 early in their careers. Set against $9,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Fayetteville Technical Community College one of the best values for value. Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,628, compared with $8,772 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $16,909. Value graduates of Fayetteville Technical Community College earn a median of $40,584 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Community College Sylva is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Sylva, Southwestern Community College Sylva is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,112, compared with $13,184 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $13,708 in student loans. Value graduates of Southwestern Community College Sylva earn a median of $36,418 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Forsyth Technical Community College came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Forsyth Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Winston-Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,276, with out-of-state students paying around $6,884. Typical student debt for value graduates is $16,374. Early-career value graduates make about $38,094. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wake Technical Community College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Located in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Students borrow a median of $17,900 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Wake Technical Community College generally make around $38,673. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Cape Fear Community College came in at #6 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,748, while out-of-state students pay about $8,892. Value graduates carry a median of $12,388 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Cape Fear Community College generally make around $42,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
This list is compiled 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.