2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Southeast Region

1

University Of South Carolina Upstate
Spartanburg, SC

University Of South Carolina Upstate earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in the Southeast Region. University Of South Carolina Upstate is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,588, compared with $23,090 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $28,000. Value graduates of University Of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of $39,473 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%.

2

University Of South Alabama
Mobile, AL

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of South Alabama, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Mobile, University Of South Alabama is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,513. Value graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $51,592 early in their careers. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants.

3

William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS

William Carey University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, William Carey University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $25,079 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from William Carey University generally make around $85,666. That is a strong return on a $25,079 median debt. William Carey University admits about 60% of applicants.

4

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

A rank of #4 makes Vanderbilt University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Value graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Value graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $77,997 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.

5

South Universitysavannah Online
Savannah, GA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Universitysavannah Online earned it the #5 place for value. Set in the city of Savannah, South Universitysavannah Online is a large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,895. Students borrow a median of $49,281 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $86,993. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $45,877. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

7

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Duke University generally make around $77,120. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants.