by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 14 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Value graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Value graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Utah State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Colorado State University Fort Collins, which ranked #3. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical student debt for value graduates is $22,843. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $51,693. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Colorado School Of Mines earn a median of $76,298 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.