by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/cyber-computer-forensics-and-counterterrorism/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, compared with $22,870 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $52,416 ten years out. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Robert Morris University earned it the #2 place for value. Set in the suburb of Moon Township, Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,770 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Robert Morris University generally make around $69,872. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Scranton one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Scranton, University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $56,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants.
Duquesne University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Duquesne University generally make around $53,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.