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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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 Southern University this year. Set in the town of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,447. Early-career value graduates make about $63,643. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt.
Jacksonville State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Jacksonville State University is a large public school located in the suburb of Jacksonville. Students from in state pay about $12,894 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. Value graduates carry a median of $24,751 in student loans. Value graduates of Jacksonville State University earn a median of $45,361 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,751 median debt. Jacksonville State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Troy University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. Troy University is a large public school located in the town of Troy. Students from in state pay about $10,176 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,352. Students borrow a median of $26,439 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Troy University generally make around $51,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of South Alabama one of the best values for value. University Of South Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Mobile. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $51,592. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Alabama At Birmingham one of the best values for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public school located in the city of Birmingham. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $48,736. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants.
The University Of Alabama came in at #6 for value in value this year. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $50,740. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants.
Auburn University placed #7 among the best values for value. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $55,422. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.