About Us
Since 2013, Best Value Schools has helped millions of Americans find the best education for their careers — at the best value. We publish independent, evidence-based rankings to compare thousands of schools, degrees, and programs around the country. Whether you're looking for an undergraduate degree on a traditional campus, or an online program to enhance your career, we'll help you make a decision with confidence.
What We Do
-
We research658
degree subjects to see how they'll impact your career.
-
We rank3,000+
schools with our evidence-based methodologies.
-
We help3.5 million
students make decisions each year.
-
We compared1,500+
college mascots before picking Delta State University's Fighting Okra as the best in the U.S.
-
We want$1.7 trillion
in U.S. student debt (2021) reduced to zero.
As seen in:
What Do We Mean by Value?
While a higher education degree will, on average, increase your lifetime earnings, it's also a major financial investment. That's why our ranking methodology prioritizes value metrics like degree-specific ROIs and career outcomes. Your definition of value may vary, from affordable tuition and financial aid availability to faculty quality, university prestige, and online course opportunities. Whatever you value most, we're here to make your choices easier.
Meet the Team
-
Angelica Leicht
Schools Editor
Alma mater: University of Houston
Angelica Leicht is the schools editor at Best Value Schools who oversees our college rankings, school profiles, and other higher education coverage. She previously served as an education reporter at Kearney Hub, and an editor at the Dallas Observer and Houston Press. Her writing has appeared in Affordable Colleges Online, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, and elsewhere.
-
Danika Miller
Education Reporter
Alma mater: Western Washington University
Danika Miller is a staff education reporter at Best Value Schools. She graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in creative writing. Danika has since specialized in education and finance writing as a reporter at Affordable Colleges Online, The Simple Dollar, Her Campus, CreditCards.com, Reviews.com, and elsewhere.
-
Adam Morgan
Editorial Director
Alma mater: Furman University, Roosevelt University
Adam Morgan is the editorial director of Best Value Schools. He has taught undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students at Roosevelt University, the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, and is a core faculty member at StoryStudio Chicago. His writing has been featured in The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and elsewhere, and he has led editorial teams at The Simple Dollar, NextAdvisor, and Bankrate.
-
Kat Wallner
Head of Marketing
Alma mater: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Kat Wallner leads Marketing for Best Value Schools. She has led product and marketing for digital brands such as Reviews.com, The Simple Dollar and MYMOVE. She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Journalism and Spanish. Her passion lies in connecting consumers to the right content and brands to make some life's most important financial decisions such as choosing your Higher Education.
-
Rogelio Vazquez-Rivera
Engineering Manager
Alma mater: University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Rogelio Vazquez-Rivera is the engineering manager for Best Value Schools. He began his career working at IBM building software for the collaboration solutions business. He holds a B.S. and a M.Eng. in Computer Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
-
Rachel Stanton
Communications Coordinator
Alma mater: University of South Carolina
Rachel Stanton is the communications coordinator at Best Value Schools. She graduated from University of South Carolina with a BA in Advertising. Rachel has since worked as a communications coordinator on Reviews.com, The Simple Dollar, and Million Mile Secrets before taking on the role for Best Value Schools.