by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/social-sciences/sociology/public/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Northern Arizona University this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,000. Early-career value graduates make about $31,410. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at The University Of Texas At Arlington, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $30,941. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Arlington generally make around $37,338. Set against $30,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Texas State University San Marcos, which ranked #3. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Value graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $44,774 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Dallas earned it the #4 place for value. Set in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,531. Value graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of $58,507 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Tarleton State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Stephenville, Tarleton State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Tarleton State University generally make around $50,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
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The ranking above is published 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.