The value of a university education is something that is difficult to calculate, and this list of best value universities strives to factor in financial information provided from reliable sources. Those sources are Kiplinger’s Best Values in Private Colleges and Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges, which were used primarily for the total cost of attendance and average student debt figures; and Payscale’s College ROI Rankings which was used for the figures on each college’s 30 year net return on investment (ROI).
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There are many factors that play into the success of an individual that have nothing to do with where or if they attend college. This list is not a guarantee. This list is designed to act as a guide for students as they consider what kind of college they wish to attend. Earnings depend very much on the degree that is earned, and the ambition and ability of the person who earns the degree. So just getting into one of these schools doesn’t guarantee that you will make the average earnings of graduates from that school.
Methodology
There is no perfect system for ranking colleges by any standard. All such ranking systems are subjective. This ranking system prizes a low average student debt, and a high average 30 year net ROI. The reason behind this is simple. The low average student debt is important because every student, regardless of their future career, benefits from graduating with as little debt as possible. Even if a student does not choose a career that will earn the average 30 year net ROI of a given school, the lower their debt, the better their life. This is why we factor in the average student debt separately even though it is already factored into the average net return on investment. Schools are presented in ascending order by ROI.
25 Low Debt and High ROI Universities
The schools listed here represent a wide range of options. This list is intended to function as a guide. Many schools have comparable statistics to the ones listed here. The schools on this list represent different kinds of schools and the values one can find there. Not everybody can get into the Princetons and Browns of the higher education system. This list includes both very exclusive, high level universities, and very accessible universities many might not even have heard of that still offer a great value to students.
25. University at Buffalo (SUNY): Buffalo, NY
This school represents the value that can be found in a more average university. The school is ranked just outside the top 100 among national universities and just outside the top 50 best public schools in the country. The average student debt at the University of Buffalo is still significantly lower than the national average. This school demonstrates effectively that great value doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with exclusivity. High value schools are an attainable aspiration for the majority of college bound students.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $20,333, out of state $30,953
Average Student Debt: $16,010
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $192,200
24. Drury University: Springfield, MO
Drury is a private liberal arts university. One of the more affordable universities of this kind, both the total cost and the average student debts are impressive. The 30 year net ROI is on the lower end, but still strong when considering the other factors.
Total Cost Per Year: $30,509
Average Student Debt: $20,500
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $277,300
23. Appalachian State University: Boone, NC
One of the most affordable best value universities on our list, the out of state prices for Appalachian State are lower than many public schools’ in state prices. Low average student debt is another factor, and while the 30 year net ROI isn’t the most impressive on this list, this is the single most accessible university.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $13,129, out of state $24,977
Average Student Debt: $17,155
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $306,500
22. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the top overall schools in the country and the fifth best public university. These impressive rankings combine with competitive total cost per year (downright cheap in state and the out of state cost is still below average for schools as well regarded). The school is more accessible than many private schools of comparable quality.
Total Cost Per Year: In State-18,609, out of state-$39,361
Average Student Debt: $17,525
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $575,900
21. University of Richmond: Richmond, VA
The University of Richmond features a reasonable acceptance rate and a great 30 year net ROI for a university with a liberal arts focus. UR is a great choice for students interested in the unique education offered by such a school. The Robins School of Business is ranked in the top 20 for international business by U.S. News. The University of Richmond also appears on our list of the Top 25 Liberal Arts Colleges With the Best Return on Investment 2014.
Total Cost Per Year: $55,020
Average Student Debt: $22,915
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $636,400
20. California State University Long Beach: Long Beach, CA
The California state university system boasts many top quality universities. These public universities are often much more accessible than the top rung private universities. Their statistics regarding value however, are just as impressive. The California State University Long Beach is one of these high value universities. The school offers quality programs, low student debt, and a high 30 year net ROI, making it a great choice for many.
Total Cost Per Year: In state-$19,688, out of state-$30,848
Average Student Debt: $12,401
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $667,100
19. University of Florida: Gainesville, FL
The numbers tell a compelling story when looking at the University of Florida. Strong accessibility, low student debt, great 30 year net ROI, all rolled into one of the top schools in the country, public or private. These are the hallmarks of a school that is doing something right. The school recently jumped three spots in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of public schools, from #17, to #14 in the nation.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $16,593, out of state $38,870
Average Student Debt: $16,841
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $729,000
18. University of Wisconsin Madison: Madison, WI
The in and out of state prices at the University of Wisconsin Madison are exceptionally low compared to other top schools. The average student debt is lower than average and the 30 year net ROI is exceptional. This combines with one of the highest accessibility rates on our list to make the school a fantastic choice for students seeking an accessible and high value option.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $19,654, out of state $35,904
Average Student Debt: $24,140
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $784,000
17. Loyola University Baltimore: Baltimore, MD
Loyola University Baltimore is a private Jesuit university. The Jesuit tradition has been known for its high quality of education for centuries. Loyola Baltimore is expensive, and its average debt is slightly above the national average, but the school is welcoming to a wide variety of students and one of the more accessible schools on this list.
Total Cost Per Year: $55,129
Average Student Debt: $31,655
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $841,000
16. Binghamton University (SUNY): Binghamton, NY
SUNY is New York’s state university system. This system rivals California’s for schools with strong financial value statistics and Binghamton is one of the best. SUNY Binghamton’s quality really sets it apart when considering accessibility. This school isn’t as famous as many of the top rung public schools, but the quality of education offered is very high and students can expect to graduate with a high performance degree and lower than average debt.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $21,091, out of state $30,241
Average Student Debt: $22,634
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $861,700
15. University of California Los Angeles: Los Angeles, CA
One of the flagship universities of the California state university system, UCLA is well known for its high quality programs. While the total cost is much higher than your average public university, the average student debt is still well below the national average while the 30 year net ROI remains high.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $26,888, out of state $49,766
Average Student Debt: $18,814
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $890,700
14. University of Washington: Seattle, WA
One of the best schools in the country, the University of Washington is extremely accessible and is tangible proof that you don’t have to be exclusive to be successful. The University of Washington features reasonable prices, lower than average student debt, and a 30 year net ROI that competes with the best schools in the country. The University of Washington offers a high quality education and an extremely high value.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $23,387, out of state $40,942
Average Student Debt: $20,608
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $904,300
13. California State Polytechnic University: Pomona, CA
Less formally known as Cal Poly, this school’s primary focus is on engineering, mathematics, and the sciences. While the school does have a strong liberal arts major, the focus of the school is on high level research in these technical and scientific fields. The school has a reputation for excellence in these fields that, combined with affordable in and out of state rates resulting in low average debt among students, leads to the high 30 year net ROI among graduates.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $19,738, out of state $30,898
Average Student Debt: $16,815
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $917,000
12. University of Virginia: Charlottesville, VA
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia has one of the richest academic traditions among public universities in the United States. Now a major research university, the financial statistics are top of the line among the top public schools, and definitely strong enough to compete with many of the best private schools in higher education.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $22,645, out of state $48,597
Average Student Debt: $20,951
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $924,000
11. Brigham Young University: Provo, UT
BYU is an incredible deal. Not only is the total cost per year the lowest of private colleges on this list, but the average student debt is also incredibly low. The 30 year net ROI is impressive. BYU stands as an example of a school that offers a top of the line education, accepts the majority of applicants, and charges very low prices. Proof that it can be done.
Total Cost Per Year: $17,552
Average Student Debt: $14,320
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $982,000
9. College of William and Mary: Williamsburg, VA
The College of William and Mary is a unique force in the higher education system. This public research university is the second oldest university in the United States, founded in 1693 and is considered to be a “Public Ivy”. The school combines all the educational excellence of an Ivy League school with the accessibility of a public institution. The cost for in state students is less than half what one would expect from a private top rung university, and even the out of state tuition still comes in under the average among top schools in the nation. The school is ranked #32 among top national universities by U.S. News and World Report. With a low average debt among graduates and exceptionally high 30 year net ROI, especially among public universities, this school is definitely one of the best values in higher education today.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $23,950, out of state $47,724
Average Student Debt: $20,835
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.04 Million
8. Brown University: Providence, RI
Another one of the best known private schools in the country, Brown has recently committed to fully meeting every student’s financial need. This can be done through loans, but as you can see, the average indebtedness of Brown graduates is still $8,000 below the national average.
Total Cost Per Year: $56,376
Average Student Debt: $20,455
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.12 Million
7. University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley, CA
U.C. Berkeley is the top public university in the United States and one of the top 20 schools in the country overall. Its financial statistics are competitive with the top best value private universities. The 30 year net ROI is among the best in the country for universities with a great diversity of programs.
Total Cost Per Year: in state $29,049, out of state $51,927
Average Student Debt: $17,116
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.18 Million
6. Vanderbilt University: Nashville, TN
Vanderbilt is another expensive university with strong financial aid. The aid packages allow the average student debt to sit about $10,000 lower than the national average. Vanderbilt’s schools of education, engineering, and management are some of the most highly ranked in the country.
Total Cost Per Year: $57,306
Average Student Debt: $18,543
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.014 million
5. Rice University: Houston, TX
Rice University is one of the best private universities in the country, and certainly one of the best values for those considering top of the line schools. Rice is also more accessible than many top schools, accepting 19% of applicants into the school. Rice has a high 30 year ROI, and a very low average student debt. While the tuition isn’t necessarily cheap, it is certainly well below that of many of the other top schools in the nation. Rice offers a great value, without sacrificing the quality of education in the least.
Total Cost Per Year: $50,692
Average Student Debt: $16,528
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.07 Million
4. University of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania is a strong example of a top level, exclusive university and why they are considered to be one of the best values despite their high tuition. Universities like UPenn often seem to be very expensive, and if you are just considering the sticker price, they are. Despite the high cost of tuition and room/board at the University of Pennsylvania, the school can still be considered a great value. This is due to many factors that come together in such a way that the average graduating senior finishes school with much less student debt than the national average, and a higher than average 30 year return on investment. These factors include the quality of education offered at UPenn, and the extensive financial aid options available to students.
Total Cost Per Year: $57,316
Average Student Debt: $17,891
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.2 million
3. Princeton University: Princeton, NJ
Princeton boasts one of the lowest average student debt rates for graduating students in the country. The financial aid department at Princeton strives specifically to help students avoid having to borrow any money, and the ones who do borrow, don’t have to borrow much. The exclusivity of the school is its primary limiting factor, but if you can get into Princeton, it is without a doubt one of the highest value schools in the nation.
Total Cost Per Year: $54,425
Average Student Debt: $5,330
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.23 Million
2. University of Notre Dame: Notre Dame, IN
Notre Dame is a Roman Catholic University. The school boasts one of the highest 30 year ROIs on this list, even edging out Princeton by a small margin. The average student debt is slightly higher than the national average, but the value of the education after graduation more than makes up for the debt incurred.
Total Cost per Year: $55,855
Average Student Debt: $30,225
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.25 Million
1. California Institute of Technology: Pasadena, CA
Cal Tech is one of the premier research institutions in the United States, boasting a faculty consisting of many of the most brilliant minds in their respective fields. It possesses an incredibly low average student debt for a university that puts so much money into research. The 30 year net ROI is the highest on this list.
Total Cost Per Year: $52,995
Average Student Debt: $13,442
30 year net ROI above non-degree holders: $1.99 Million
We hope that this list of the best value universities is of great help to you as you conduct your search for the best matching college program for you. For further reading, please see: 25 Best Value Colleges 2014 and 30 Best Affordable Online Colleges 2014
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