by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
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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.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Northern Kentucky University this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,572. Early-career value graduates make about $58,199. Set against $25,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Value graduates carry a median of $23,420 in student loans. 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.
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. 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%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Kentucky, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $57,725. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.