by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 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 Alabama State University, our #1 best value for value in Alabama. Located in the city of Montgomery, Alabama State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,248, while out-of-state students pay about $19,576. Students borrow a median of $33,709 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $37,721. Set against $33,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
A rank of #2 makes Jacksonville State University one of the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,894, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,250. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Jacksonville State University generally make around $27,926. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Jacksonville State University admits about 78% of applicants.
University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public school located in the city of Birmingham. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Value graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn a median of $55,413 early in their careers. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.