2026 Best Value Community College Education Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS

Alcorn State University tops our 2026 list of the best value community college education schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the rural area of Alcorn State, Alcorn State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,785. Students borrow a median of $29,674 to complete the community college education program here. Community College Education graduates of Alcorn State University earn a median of $37,028 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

2

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Old Dominion University earned it the #2 place for community college education. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $26,001. Early-career community college education graduates make about $63,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.

3

Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

A rank of #3 makes Mississippi State University one of the best values for community college education. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Community College Education graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Early-career community college education graduates make about $45,794. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4

University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in community college education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $24,019. Soon after graduation, community college education degree recipients from University Of Arkansas generally make around $77,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned it the #5 place for community college education. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for community college education graduates is $23,013. Early-career community college education graduates make about $69,402. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.