by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/forensic-science-and-technology/) 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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 32 schools to find the best return on investment 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 Grossmont College, our #1 best value for value in the Far Western Region. Grossmont College is a large public school located in the suburb of El Cajon. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,332, compared with $10,628 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,309.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Moreno Valley College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Moreno Valley, Moreno Valley College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,643 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Moreno Valley College earn a median of $45,515 early in their careers. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes California State University Los Angeles one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Early-career value graduates make about $66,598. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Norco College earned it the #4 place for value. Located in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $8,203. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,203 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Riverside City College earned it the #5 place for value. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. Typical student debt for value graduates is $8,767. Value graduates of Riverside City College earn a median of $37,102 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,767 median debt.
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Long Beach City College came in at #6 for value in value this year. Long Beach City College is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,556, while out-of-state students pay about $12,544. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete the value program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,870. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt.
East Los Angeles College earned the #7 position for value in value this year. East Los Angeles College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Monterey Park. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $8,180 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from East Los Angeles College generally make around $33,595. That is a strong return on a $8,180 median debt.
Rio Hondo College landed the #8 spot for value value this year. Set in the rural area of Whittier, Rio Hondo College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,388, compared with $9,884 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,510 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Rio Hondo College generally make around $95,666. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Green River Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,711 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,712 ten years after entry.
San Jose State University landed the #10 spot for value value this year. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Davis placed #11 among the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $65,299. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Chaminade University Of Honolulu placed #12 among the best values for value. Set in the city of Honolulu, Chaminade University Of Honolulu is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,874. Students borrow a median of $25,096 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Chaminade University Of Honolulu generally make around $48,383. That is a strong return on a $25,096 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
National University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Value graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from National University generally make around $50,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Seattle University landed the #14 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Value graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Value graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $63,214 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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 · 32 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.