Score of 95.8

Florida delivers exceptional value through a combination of low in-state tuition, strong graduation rates, and consistently strong post-graduate earnings. Its academic outcomes regularly exceed expectations relative to cost, particularly in business, engineering, and health-related fields. The result is one of the strongest public-sector return-on-investment profiles in higher education.

Score of 95.3

UNC offers strong academic outcomes at relatively low in-state cost, producing one of the most efficient value profiles among flagship public universities. High graduation rates and strong employment outcomes contribute to consistently strong long-term ROI. Its balance of affordability and academic performance places it among the top public institutions nationally.

Score of 94.9

UVA combines strong graduation rates with high post-graduate earnings, particularly in business, law, and public policy fields. While cost is higher than some public peers, outcomes consistently justify the investment. Its alumni outcomes and employer placement strength support a top-tier value profile.

Score of 94.5

Georgia Tech delivers exceptional return on investment driven by strong earnings outcomes in engineering, computing, and analytics disciplines. Its graduates consistently achieve high starting salaries that significantly outpace tuition costs. This strong alignment with high-demand industries drives its top-tier value ranking.

Score of 94.1

Berkeley offers elite academic outcomes with strong long-term earnings potential, particularly in STEM, business, and technology fields. Despite higher living costs, its graduate earnings consistently offset total investment. Its combination of prestige and workforce outcomes produces a strong ROI profile.

Score of 93.7

Michigan delivers strong value through high graduation rates, broad academic strength, and consistently strong post-graduate earnings. Its large alumni network and employer reach contribute to stable career outcomes across disciplines. These factors combine to produce one of the strongest public university value profiles.

Score of 93.3

Purdue provides strong value driven by engineering and STEM outcomes that translate into high employment rates and competitive salaries. Its relatively moderate tuition, particularly for in-state students, enhances affordability. The university’s strong employer connections further reinforce its ROI performance.

Score of 92.9

UT Austin offers strong earnings outcomes supported by business, engineering, and computer science programs with high labor market demand. Its relatively low in-state tuition strengthens affordability metrics. The combination of cost efficiency and career outcomes supports a strong overall value ranking.

Score of 92.5

Texas A&M delivers strong value through consistent employment outcomes across engineering, business, and applied sciences. Its large-scale employer network and strong regional industry ties contribute to stable post-graduate success. Low in-state tuition further enhances overall affordability.

Score of 92.1

Washington offers strong ROI driven by high earnings outcomes in technology, engineering, and data-intensive fields. Its proximity to major technology employers significantly strengthens job placement outcomes. While out-of-state costs are higher, earnings performance supports strong value.

Score of 91.7

Wisconsin provides consistent value through strong academic outcomes and moderate tuition levels. Its graduates perform well across business, engineering, and healthcare fields. The university’s stability across disciplines supports long-term ROI.

Score of 91.3

Georgia delivers strong value through improving graduation rates and strong employment outcomes, particularly in business and public service fields. Its relatively low in-state tuition enhances affordability. Increasing employer connections continue to strengthen ROI performance.

Score of 90.9

Virginia Tech provides strong value driven by engineering, architecture, and applied sciences programs with consistently high employment rates. Its employer pipeline in technical industries supports strong salary outcomes relative to cost. Moderate tuition levels further enhance return on investment.

Score of 90.5

NC State delivers strong ROI through engineering and computer science programs closely aligned with regional technology employers. Its location in the Research Triangle enhances internship and employment opportunities. Low in-state tuition reinforces its affordability advantage.

Score of 90.1

UIUC provides exceptional value through high-performing STEM programs that produce strong early-career earnings. Its graduates in computer science and engineering consistently achieve top-tier salary outcomes. These results support strong ROI even for out-of-state students.

Score of 89.7

Ohio State offers balanced value through strong employment outcomes across a wide range of disciplines. Its large alumni network and employer reach support consistent career placement. While not specialized, its scale and outcomes produce stable ROI.

Score of 89.3

Maryland benefits from strong regional employer access in government, technology, and consulting sectors. These opportunities translate into strong internship pipelines and post-graduate outcomes. Its location-driven advantages significantly enhance ROI.

Score of 88.9

Minnesota provides stable value through consistent academic outcomes and moderate tuition levels. Its strength lies in balanced performance across healthcare, business, and engineering fields. This consistency supports reliable long-term returns.

Score of 88.5

Indiana delivers strong value, particularly through the Kelley School of Business, which produces high employment and salary outcomes. Its alumni network strengthens placement across business and communications fields. Combined with moderate tuition, this supports strong ROI.

Score of 88.1

Clemson provides strong return on investment through engineering and applied sciences programs with high employment rates. Its structured career development systems support consistent job placement. Affordable in-state tuition further enhances value.

Score of 87.7

Florida State offers strong affordability and improving outcomes across business, education, and social sciences. Its growing internship pipelines and employer connections continue to strengthen ROI. The university provides accessible value for in-state students.

Score of 87.3

ASU delivers broad-access value through large-scale academic programming and expanding online education. While outcomes vary by discipline, its scale provides strong accessibility and flexibility. Continued investment in workforce-aligned programs strengthens long-term value.

Score of 86.9

South Carolina provides strong value through moderate tuition, scholarship availability, and structured academic programs. Its honors college and business programs support improved employment outcomes. Overall ROI is strongest for in-state students.

Score of 86.5

Iowa State delivers strong ROI through engineering and agriculture programs aligned with stable employment sectors. Its land-grant mission emphasizes affordability and workforce preparation. This combination produces consistent value outcomes.

Score of 86.1

Utah provides improving value driven by growing technology and healthcare sectors in its regional economy. Strong employer connections in Salt Lake City support rising earnings outcomes. Combined with affordable tuition, this enhances long-term ROI potential.