by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/engineering-technologies/energy-systems/energy-systems-technology-technician/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 29 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
South Georgia Technical College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in the Southeast Region. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. Students from in state pay about $3,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,202 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $10,423. Early-career value graduates make about $40,497. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ashland Community And Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Ashland Community And Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Ashland. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Students borrow a median of $13,485 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ashland Community And Technical College generally make around $27,379. That is a strong return on a $13,485 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Gateway Community And Technical College, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Florence, Gateway Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $11,611 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Gateway Community And Technical College generally make around $46,993. Set against $11,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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This list is compiled 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 · 29 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.