by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/veterinary-animal-health-technologies/veterinary-animal-health-technology-technician-and-veterinary-assistant/) 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 14 schools to build this 2026 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.
Leading the list is Holyoke Community College, our #1 best value for value in the New England Region. Holyoke Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Holyoke. In-state tuition and fees average $5,988, while out-of-state students pay about $10,932. Value graduates carry a median of $9,763 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $39,979. Set against $9,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes York County Community College one of the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Wells, York County Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Value graduates carry a median of $17,449 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $36,829. Set against $17,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Capital Community College one of the best values for value. Capital Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New Britain. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,338, with out-of-state students paying around $15,596. Typical student debt for value graduates is $12,059. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Capital Community College generally make around $43,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mount Wachusett Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Gardner, Mount Wachusett Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,160, compared with $11,080 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,497 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $43,883. Set against $11,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Maine At Augusta is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Augusta. Students from in state pay about $8,888 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,178. Value graduates carry a median of $29,313 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Maine At Augusta generally make around $39,275. That is a strong return on a $29,313 median debt.
Great Bay Community College placed #6 among the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Portsmouth, Great Bay Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $15,450. Value graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $36,672. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #7 for value in value this year. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Durham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,368 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $32,878. Set against $26,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #8 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Early-career value graduates make about $42,482. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
New England Institute Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of East Greenwich, New England Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,275. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from New England Institute Of Technology generally make around $38,126. Set against $24,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%.
8
9
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.