2026 Best Value Public Schools

1

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University tops our 2026 list of the best value public schools in the United States. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical student debt for public graduates is $25,000. Early-career public graduates make about $31,410. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

The University Of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public graduates is $30,941. Early-career public graduates make about $37,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

3

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

Emporia State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public schools. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical student debt for public graduates is $27,000. Public graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $29,313 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.

4

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the public program here. Public graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $44,774 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.

5

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

A rank of #5 makes East Carolina University one of the best values for public. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the public program here. Soon after graduation, public degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $31,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

6

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University came in at #6 for value in public this year. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Public graduates carry a median of $35,155 in student loans. Public graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $47,887 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.

7

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Indiana, PA

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #7 spot for public value this year. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the public program here. Soon after graduation, public degree recipients from Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus generally make around $32,323. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

8

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX

The University Of Texas At Dallas earned the #8 position for value in public this year. Set in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical student debt for public graduates is $20,531. Public graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of $58,507 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.

9

William Paterson University Of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ

William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned the #9 position for value in public this year. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the suburb of Wayne. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Public graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $35,528. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

10

Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University landed the #10 spot for public value this year. Located in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Public graduates carry a median of $23,222 in student loans. Public graduates of Tarleton State University earn a median of $50,532 early in their careers. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

11

Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University came in at #11 for value in public this year. Duquesne University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete the public program here. Public graduates of Duquesne University earn a median of $29,661 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,983 median debt. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants.