25 Best Value Universities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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