2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

For return on investment in value, no school beat University Of Florida this year. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $101,252 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

2

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,792. Early-career value graduates make about $96,208. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

3

Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mississippi State University earned it the #3 place for value. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Value graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $98,378. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Value graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Value graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $91,133 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Lincoln Memorial University
Harrogate, TN

Lincoln Memorial University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Harrogate, Lincoln Memorial University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,938. Value graduates carry a median of $20,693 in student loans. Value graduates of Lincoln Memorial University earn a median of $98,489 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

6

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,859. Early-career value graduates make about $95,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

7

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #7 spot for value value this year. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public school located in the city of Baton Rouge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,348. Early-career value graduates make about $90,484. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants.

8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,393. Early-career value graduates make about $99,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.

9

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Value graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $101,514. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

10

Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Tuskegee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Tuskegee. Students from in state pay about $25,386 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $29,356 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Tuskegee University generally make around $95,881. Set against $29,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.