by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Fox Valley Technical College the best value for a degree in value in Wisconsin. Located in the suburb of Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Students borrow a median of $17,000 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $35,887. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Students borrow a median of $24,780 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $38,013 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earned it the #3 place for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $46,673. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
1
2
3
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.