by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theatre-and-dance/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment for value students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Modesto Junior College the best value for a degree in value in the Far Western Region. Modesto Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Modesto. In-state tuition and fees average $1,282, with out-of-state students paying around $9,264. Value graduates carry a median of $8,575 in student loans. Value graduates of Modesto Junior College earn a median of $36,525 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,575 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Hawaii At Manoa, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Honolulu, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of University Of Hawaii At Manoa earn a median of $48,181 early in their careers. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical student debt for value graduates is $19,918. Early-career value graduates make about $50,691. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
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This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.