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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 17 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
The University Of Texas At El Paso earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Texas. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,432. Early-career value graduates make about $23,495. That is a strong return on a $25,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #2 place for value. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,275. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $57,819. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,271. Early-career value graduates make about $50,332. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
University Of The Incarnate Word came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. University Of The Incarnate Word is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Students borrow a median of $28,028 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of The Incarnate Word earn a median of $51,876 early in their careers. Set against $28,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #5. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $38,792 early in their careers. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
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St Marys University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of San Antonio, St Marys University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. Value graduates carry a median of $25,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from St Marys University generally make around $42,786. Set against $25,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Baylor University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,928. Value graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $49,888 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,928 median debt. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.