2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools

1

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Dominguez Hills the best value for a degree in individualized studies in the United States. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $15,453. Individualized Studies graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $33,588 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,453 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE

Metropolitan Community College Area is a great value for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $10,214. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Metropolitan Community College Area generally make around $33,011. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pima Community College earned it the #3 place for individualized studies. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $8,939 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $31,002. That is a strong return on a $8,939 median debt.

4

Suffolk County Community College
Selden, NY

Suffolk County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Suffolk County Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Selden. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $8,000. Individualized Studies graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $26,874 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt.

5

Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Frederick Community College earned it the #5 place for individualized studies. Frederick Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Frederick. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,849, compared with $10,042 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,935 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Frederick Community College generally make around $22,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Wilkes Community College
Wilkesboro, NC

Wilkes Community College earned the #6 position for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the town of Wilkesboro, Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,716. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $7,250. Individualized Studies graduates of Wilkes Community College earn a median of $25,681 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida earned the #7 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $17,669. Individualized Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

8

Durham Technical Community College
Durham, NC

Durham Technical Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Durham Technical Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Durham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,240, while out-of-state students pay about $7,531. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $11,321. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $23,876. That is a strong return on a $11,321 median debt.

9

Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD

Carroll Community College landed the #9 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the town of Westminster, Carroll Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,308, compared with $10,158 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Carroll Community College earn a median of $23,320 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,750 median debt.

10

De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

De Anza College placed #10 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,571, while out-of-state students pay about $12,596. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $7,271 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,596 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,271 median debt.

11

Las Positas College
Livermore, CA

Las Positas College placed #11 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Livermore, Las Positas College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,168, while out-of-state students pay about $9,808. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,088.

12

Wayne Community College
Goldsboro, NC

Wayne Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of Goldsboro, Wayne Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,566, compared with $8,710 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Wayne Community College generally make around $26,028. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, MD

Chesapeake College came in at #13 for value in individualized studies this year. Chesapeake College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wye Mills. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,274, while out-of-state students pay about $8,768. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Chesapeake College generally make around $29,611. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.

14

Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville Technical Community College came in at #14 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,628 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Students borrow a median of $12,037 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Fayetteville Technical Community College generally make around $36,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Johnston Community College
Smithfield, NC

Johnston Community College landed the #15 spot for individualized studies value this year. Located in the town of Smithfield, Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,756 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $5,812. Individualized Studies graduates of Johnston Community College earn a median of $25,872 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

16

Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA

Chattahoochee Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public school located in the suburb of Marietta. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $44,673. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt.

17

Southern Regional Technical College
Thomasville, GA

Southern Regional Technical College came in at #17 for value in individualized studies this year. Southern Regional Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Thomasville. Students from in state pay about $3,007 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,575. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $9,086. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $44,007. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, GA

Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #18 for value in individualized studies this year. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rome. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Georgia Northwestern Technical College generally make around $41,229. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt.

19

Community College Of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI

Community College Of Rhode Island came in at #19 for value in individualized studies this year. Community College Of Rhode Island is a large public school located in the city of Warwick. Students from in state pay about $5,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,834. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $8,997 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Community College Of Rhode Island generally make around $39,680. That is a strong return on a $8,997 median debt.

20

Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

Nassau Community College placed #20 among the best values for individualized studies. Nassau Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Garden City. Students from in state pay about $6,330 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Nassau Community College earn a median of $27,510 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt.

21

New College Of Florida
Sarasota, FL

New College Of Florida came in at #21 for value in individualized studies this year. Located in the city of Sarasota, New College Of Florida is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $6,916 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,944. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $15,314 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from New College Of Florida generally make around $20,395. That is a strong return on a $15,314 median debt. New College Of Florida admits about 73% of applicants.

22

Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College placed #22 among the best values for individualized studies. Oakland Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Auburn Hills. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Oakland Community College generally make around $37,347. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College earned the #23 position for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,616, compared with $12,840 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $7,541 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $32,551. That is a strong return on a $7,541 median debt.

24

Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear Community College earned the #24 position for value in individualized studies this year. Cape Fear Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. In-state tuition and fees average $2,748, while out-of-state students pay about $8,892. Students borrow a median of $8,734 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Cape Fear Community College earn a median of $30,056 early in their careers. Set against $8,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

Coastal Pines Technical College
Waycross, GA

Coastal Pines Technical College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the town of Waycross, Coastal Pines Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $5,812. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $39,090. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.