If You Want to Go to College, These Universities Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck

As the cost of tuition and student debt continues to rise, finding an affordable college education is becoming more important than ever. The good news is that there are plenty of universities out there that offer high-quality education without wrecking your personal finances. Whether you're a high school student or a working adult looking to further your education, this article will help you make an informed decision about which college to attend.

What are the best value schools?

The schools mentioned here excel academically and are significantly more affordable compared to many others, considering the financial aid they provide through need-based grants and scholarships.

For example, Harvard is one of the most expensive schools in the nation, costing about $60,000 in tuition and fees per year. But its generous need-based financial aid program means that over half of students receive aid, and on average, students end up paying around $15,000 per year. Not bad for an Ivy League school!

Given Harvard's above-average graduation rate, low student-to-faculty ratio, and the tendency of its graduates to secure higher-than-average salaries, Harvard can be considered a college of high value, assuming you can get in.

After analyzing the top reputable lists of schools compiled by Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and other sources, the schools listed below were consistently at the top. The schools are listed in no particular order and are split between public and private universities.

The average cost of tuition and fees in 2021–22 for a public university was $10,338 for in-state students and $22,698 for out-of-state students. Private schools tend to be more expensive, with the average cost for a private college at $38,185.

Best value private universities

Not surprisingly, many of the Ivy League schools make the list. A large number of graduates commonly get high-paying jobs at the largest companies. They are able to get generous amounts of financial aid, grants, scholarships, and other sources of funding.

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• California Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Yale University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Columbia University
• Williams College
• Dartmouth
• Brigham Young University

Best value public universities

Many of the top public universities are in California. Although not on this list, in addition to the University of California system, the California State Universities also consistently ranked high among all the lists.

• University of California Berkeley
• University of California Santa Barbara
• University of California San Diego
• University of California Irvine
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Virginia
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• City University of New York's Baruch College
• University of Florida

This list is certainly not exhaustive, and the best value college will depend on what is right for you, where you live, what you want to major in, and more. For those that don’t want to pay a dime for college and get one of the best educations in the world, any of the Service Academies, such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval and Air Force Academies, are great options. However, you will owe at least five years of service to Uncle Sam.

Research the right school for you

Choosing a college can be a difficult decision, especially when you're on a budget. But there are plenty of options out there for those who want a high-quality education without breaking the bank. These universities are just a few examples of schools that offer excellent educational opportunities and generous financial aid programs to students from all backgrounds. As you begin your college search, consider the schools on this list and do your own research to find the school that's right for you. Good luck on your journey to higher education!