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.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value value schools.
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.
Northern Kentucky University tops our 2027 list of the best value value schools in Kentucky. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,572. Early-career value graduates make about $58,199. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Murray State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,420. Value graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $53,876 early in their careers. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the best values for value. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Students borrow a median of $25,122 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $54,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Kentucky is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,094. Value graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $57,725 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.