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 10 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.
Leading the list is Phoenix College, our #1 best value for value in Arizona. Located in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,204 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Phoenix College earn a median of $51,053 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mesa Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Scottsdale Community College earned it the #3 place for value. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Scottsdale Community College earn a median of $48,039 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,084 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Grand Canyon University one of the best values for value. Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Early-career value graduates make about $37,481. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott one of the best values for value. Located in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,974. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott earn a median of $74,905 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.