2026 Best Value Value Schools in Virginia
[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.
College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
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2026 Best Value Value Schools in Virginia
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Value Schools
Tidewater Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Virginia. Tidewater Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Students borrow a median of $14,001 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Tidewater Community College generally make around $35,627. That is a strong return on a $14,001 median debt.
George Mason University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $25,747 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $56,264 early in their careers. Set against $25,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Regent University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Students borrow a median of $29,451 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $67,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Virginia Commonwealth University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $43,085 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
James Madison University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $52,997. Set against $21,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Ecpi University placed #6 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Ecpi University is a large private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,484. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,988. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ecpi University generally make around $48,429. Set against $27,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ecpi University admits about 74% of applicants.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #7 for value in value this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,393. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
