by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/marketing/digital-marketing/) 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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
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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.
Washtenaw Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Michigan. Washtenaw Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Typical student debt for value graduates is $17,616. Value graduates of Washtenaw Community College earn a median of $45,332 early in their careers. Set against $17,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Macomb Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Warren, Macomb Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Value graduates carry a median of $9,862 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Macomb Community College generally make around $38,758. Set against $9,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Michigan Dearborn is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of $46,664 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Adrian College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $41,684. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Adrian College generally make around $44,122. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Adrian College admits about 72% of applicants.
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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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.