by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/financial-forensics-and-fraud-investigation/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. 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 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.
Leading the list is Salisbury University, our #1 best value for value in Maryland. Set in the suburb of Salisbury, Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,545 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $45,476. That is a strong return on a $23,545 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Baltimore is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Baltimore, University Of Baltimore is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $23,984. Typical student debt for value graduates is $29,681. Early-career value graduates make about $56,837. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stevenson University earned it the #3 place for value. Set in the suburb of Owings Mills, Stevenson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,560 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $27,042 in student loans. Value graduates of Stevenson University earn a median of $62,501 early in their careers. Set against $27,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stevenson University admits about 79% of applicants.
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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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.