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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 24 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Grossmont College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in California. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,309 ten years after entry.
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. 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.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Norco College, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $8,203 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,206 ten years out. Set against $8,203 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California State University Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $66,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Riverside City College earned it the #5 place for value. Riverside City College is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Set against $8,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Long Beach City College landed the #6 spot for value value this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, Long Beach City College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,556 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,544. Typical student debt for value graduates is $6,000. Median earnings reach $38,870 ten years out. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
East Los Angeles College placed #7 among the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Monterey Park, East Los Angeles College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,238 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Value graduates carry a median of $8,180 in student loans. Value graduates of East Los Angeles College earn a median of $33,595 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rio Hondo College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the rural area of Whittier, Rio Hondo College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,388, compared with $9,884 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,510. Value graduates of Rio Hondo College earn a median of $95,666 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
San Jose State University placed #9 among the best values for value. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
University Of California Davis earned the #10 position for value in value this year. Located in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $65,299. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.
National University landed the #11 spot for value value this year. Set in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Value graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Value graduates of National University earn a median of $50,462 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt.
This ranking is produced 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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.