2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Leading the list is Florida Atlantic University, our #1 best value for value in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $49,340. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.

2

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Florida earned it the #2 place for value. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $51,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.

3

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Georgia State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $51,103 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

4

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Kennesaw State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kennesaw. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Kennesaw State University generally make around $53,824. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants.

5

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kentucky earned it the #5 place for value. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $49,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned the #6 position for value in value this year. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public school located in the city of Wilmington. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Value graduates carry a median of $23,013 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $46,164 early in their careers. Set against $23,013 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington admits about 64% of applicants.