College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Family & Consumer Economics Schools in the Southeast Region

5 Colleges in the United States
$24,974 Avg Student Debt
$54,168 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Family & Consumer Economics Badge [Family & Consumer Economics](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/family-consumer-economics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value family & consumer economics schools.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Family & Consumer Economics Schools in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in family & consumer economics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Family & Consumer Economics Schools

1

University Of Georgia earned the #1 spot for value among family & consumer economics schools in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for family & consumer economics graduates is $22,652. Soon after graduation, family & consumer economics degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $48,620. Set against $22,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

2

A rank of #2 makes Middle Tennessee State University one of the best values for family & consumer economics. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the family & consumer economics program here. Soon after graduation, family & consumer economics degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $31,988. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.

3

Students looking for strong value in family & consumer economics will find it at Tennessee State University, which ranked #3. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Family & Consumer Economics graduates carry a median of $30,099 in student loans. Soon after graduation, family & consumer economics degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $32,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants.

4

Virginia State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value family & consumer economics schools. Located in the suburb of Petersburg, Virginia State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,043, while out-of-state students pay about $22,650. Family & Consumer Economics graduates carry a median of $29,500 in student loans. Early-career family & consumer economics graduates make about $40,620. Set against $29,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Tennessee earned it the #5 place for family & consumer economics. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical student debt for family & consumer economics graduates is $17,844. Family & Consumer Economics graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of $43,014 early in their careers. Set against $17,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

6

The University Of Alabama earned the #6 position for value in family & consumer economics this year. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical student debt for family & consumer economics graduates is $23,750. Soon after graduation, family & consumer economics degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $41,201. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants.

View All Family & Consumer Economics Rankings >

Notes and References

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 · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options