2026 Best Value Value Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Miami Dade College
Miami, FL

Miami Dade College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in the Southeast Region. Miami Dade College is a very large public school located in the city of Miami. Students from in state pay about $2,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,661. Students borrow a median of $11,967 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $40,267 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,499. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $44,778. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

3

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

A rank of #3 makes University Of Mississippi Main Campus one of the best values for value. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,444. Early-career value graduates make about $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

4

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at East Carolina University earned it the #4 place for value. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $51,931. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

5

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

A rank of #5 makes George Mason University one of the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,529. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $63,131. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.

6

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University placed #6 among the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $53,824. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

7

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #7 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,813. Value graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $57,000 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Charleston
Charleston, WV

University Of Charleston came in at #8 for value in value this year. University Of Charleston is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Charleston. In-state tuition and fees average $22,617. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,646. Early-career value graduates make about $64,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

9

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #9 spot for value value this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Value graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $60,004. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.