by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/data-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Miami Dade College tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in Florida. Set in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Value graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Value graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $40,267 early in their careers. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Florida Atlantic University one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Value graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $49,340. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Florida Polytechnic University earned it the #3 place for value. Located in the rural area of Lakeland, Florida Polytechnic University is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,940, compared with $21,004 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $64,823. The acceptance rate is 58%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Florida earned it the #4 place for value. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $51,790 early in their careers. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Florida State University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $20,488 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $51,884. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.
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Broward College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Broward College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. Typical student debt for value graduates is $13,110. Value graduates of Broward College earn a median of $51,328 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #7 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Value graduates carry a median of $22,845 in student loans. Value graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach earn a median of $70,246 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,845 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.