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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 4 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 Utah Valley University this year. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $16,478. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $51,242. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for value. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,962 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $55,757. That is a strong return on a $12,886 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Value graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $58,390. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $67,318. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.