by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/general/) 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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Cleveland State University earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Value graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $45,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for value. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Value graduates carry a median of $21,887 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $50,294. Set against $21,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Wright State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Wright State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Dayton. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,836. Early-career value graduates make about $47,732. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Value graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $66,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Ohio University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,546. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $55,481. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $25,449 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $37,119. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Franklin University came in at #7 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $9,577 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,890 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Franklin University earn a median of $63,922 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $35,890 median debt.
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value value this year. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $58,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Miami University Oxford ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,731 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Miami University Oxford generally make around $45,278. Set against $25,731 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
University Of Dayton earned the #10 position for value in value this year. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $56,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.