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 6 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.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Rio Salado College this year. Rio Salado College is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,958. Typical student debt for value graduates is $13,679. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Rio Salado College generally make around $48,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value value schools. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $45,656 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Phoenix Arizona earn a median of $60,204 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Northern Arizona University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Value graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $47,056. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Value graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $55,985. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for value. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Value graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $44,518 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Canyon University landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Typical student debt for value graduates is $30,027. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $63,014. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.