by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/cyber-computer-forensics-and-counterterrorism/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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.
Leading the list is Sinclair Community College, our #1 best value for value in Ohio. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Value graduates carry a median of $12,525 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $35,348. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State Community College earned it the #2 place for value. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Washington State Community College generally make around $45,305. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Akron Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,347. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $49,045. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Tiffin University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Tiffin, Tiffin University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,790. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $38,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.