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2026 Best Value Value Schools in Virginia
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Value Schools
For return on investment in value, no school beat George Mason University this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,747. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $56,264. That is a strong return on a $25,747 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Regent University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Regent University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Virginia Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Value graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Value graduates of Regent University earn a median of $67,561 early in their careers. Set against $29,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Ecpi University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Ecpi University is a large private for-profit school located in the city of Virginia Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $18,484. Value graduates carry a median of $27,988 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Ecpi University generally make around $48,429. Set against $27,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ecpi University admits about 74% of applicants.
James Madison University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $52,997. That is a strong return on a $21,218 median debt. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants.
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
ADBLOCK #116
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/cyber-computer-forensics-and-counterterrorism/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.
