by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Kean University this year. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $50,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of Teaneck, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Value graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus generally make around $66,770. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Rutgers University Camden is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Camden. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Students borrow a median of $24,577 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Rutgers University Camden generally make around $58,428. Set against $24,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Rutgers University Newark, which ranked #4. Rutgers University Newark is a large public school located in the city of Newark. In-state tuition and fees average $17,250, while out-of-state students pay about $36,762. Students borrow a median of $25,065 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Rutgers University Newark earn a median of $58,428 early in their careers. Set against $25,065 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University Newark admits about 71% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
