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.
College Factual analyzed 18 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.
La Salle University tops our 2026 list of the best value value schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of Philadelphia, La Salle University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,462 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $54,618. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants.
Gannon University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Gannon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Erie. Students from in state pay about $40,656 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,934. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Gannon University generally make around $73,658. Set against $26,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gannon University admits about 74% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Point Park University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,570. Students borrow a median of $28,323 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Point Park University earn a median of $40,759 early in their careers. Set against $28,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Mercyhurst College one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Erie, Mercyhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,770. Value graduates carry a median of $25,705 in student loans. Value graduates of Mercyhurst College earn a median of $46,009 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for value. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
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Duquesne University ranked #6 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. In-state tuition and fees average $48,986. Value graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Value graduates of Duquesne University earn a median of $53,631 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.