by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/general/) 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 14 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 George Mason University the best value for a degree in value in Virginia. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical student debt for value graduates is $20,106. Early-career value graduates make about $67,375. That is a strong return on a $20,106 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Old Dominion University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $65,888. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Virginia Commonwealth University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Students borrow a median of $23,813 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $53,777 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Regent University earned it the #4 place for value. Set in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Value graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $55,462. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at James Madison University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Value graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $48,396. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
1
2
3
4
5
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Value graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $74,121. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Liberty University came in at #7 for value in value this year. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Value graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Value graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $57,882 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.