by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 36 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Leading the list is Bristol Community College, our #1 best value for value in the New England Region. Set in the suburb of Fall River, Bristol Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,832, compared with $10,776 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $9,482. Value graduates of Bristol Community College earn a median of $37,897 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,482 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Charter Oak State College earned it the #2 place for value. Located in the suburb of New Britain, Charter Oak State College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,506. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,584. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Charter Oak State College generally make around $62,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Manchester Community College Nh, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Manchester, Manchester Community College Nh is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,090, compared with $15,340 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,063.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Lasell College, which ranked #4. Lasell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Newton. Students from in state pay about $27,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,808 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Lasell College earn a median of $49,793 early in their careers. Set against $26,808 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lasell College admits about 81% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Boston University earned it the #5 place for value. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $57,616. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.
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University Of New Haven ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Haven. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,332. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of New Haven generally make around $47,091. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Haven admits about 60% of applicants.
Champlain College earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Burlington, Champlain College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,850. Typical student debt for value graduates is $29,873. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Champlain College generally make around $80,901. Set against $29,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Champlain College admits about 83% of applicants.
Roger Williams University placed #8 among the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Bristol, Roger Williams University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,197 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Value graduates of Roger Williams University earn a median of $48,664 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Sacred Heart University placed #9 among the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,404. Value graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $62,864. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. Sacred Heart University admits about 65% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.