by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/human-development-family-studies/early-childhood-and-family-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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.
South Texas College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Texas. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical student debt for value graduates is $6,868. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $19,971. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,871. Early-career value graduates make about $26,897. Set against $20,871 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Tarleton State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $50,532. Set against $23,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tarleton State University admits about 90% 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.