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 2 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Columbia College Missouri this year. Located in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. Students borrow a median of $29,213 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Columbia College Missouri earn a median of $47,962 early in their careers. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Saint Louis University Main Campus, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Value graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Value graduates of Saint Louis University Main Campus earn a median of $65,599 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 2 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.