by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/forensic-science-and-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 9 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.
Tidewater Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Virginia. Tidewater Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. Students from in state pay about $5,858 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Students borrow a median of $14,001 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $35,627. That is a strong return on a $14,001 median debt.
George Mason University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $25,747 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $56,264. Set against $25,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $43,085. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
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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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.