by our College Data Analytics Team
[Finance](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/finance-financial-management/finance/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value finance schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in finance, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Minot State University the best value for a degree in finance in North Dakota. Set in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for finance graduates is $25,788. Soon after graduation, finance degree recipients from Minot State University generally make around $50,645. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
North Dakota State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in finance, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical student debt for finance graduates is $25,542. Early-career finance graduates make about $53,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Mary came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value finance schools. Located in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Typical student debt for finance graduates is $26,983. Finance graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $65,565 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in finance will find it at University Of North Dakota, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $24,093 to complete the finance program here. Soon after graduation, finance degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $49,785. Set against $24,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
