by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 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.
Clayton State University tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in Georgia. Located in the suburb of Morrow, Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Typical student debt for value graduates is $31,000. Early-career value graduates make about $30,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Middle Georgia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Macon, Middle Georgia State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. Value graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $35,930. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes American Intercontinental University Atlanta one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Atlanta, American Intercontinental University Atlanta is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,527. Typical student debt for value graduates is $37,625. Early-career value graduates make about $32,231. That is a strong return on a $37,625 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brewton Parker College earned it the #4 place for value. Located in the rural area of Mount Vernon, Brewton Parker College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,120. Median earnings reach $42,009 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 96%.
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This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.