by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/drama-and-theater-arts/theatre-and-dance/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
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.
For return on investment in value, no school beat Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this year. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,010. Early-career value graduates make about $16,892. Set against $26,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
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.