The Best Value Colleges

Best Value Colleges in America for 2025

Explore the colleges that provide the best value for your money in the United States based on academic quality, outcomes, net price and financial aid. The rankings are calculated using ratings from the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges ranking factored against the typical net price paid by students - to identify the colleges that offer the best deals. Leading the list for 2025 as the overall best value college in America is Harvard University with a 10 out of 10 academic rating for a comparatively affordable $17,900 average net price. The highest value public state college is University of Virginia Main Campus. Learn how the Best Value Colleges are calculated and ranked on our methodology page.
Public Private 4 year

1,049 results nationwide

California State University San Marcos
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C
San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#1045 Best Value in America

  • 15,431enrollment
  • $10,500net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 950-1130SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
  • 3.32Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 30

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California State University Monterey Bay
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C
Seaside, CA

California State University Monterey Bay

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#1046 Best Value in America

  • 6,742enrollment
  • $15,222net price
  • 95%acceptance rate
  • 960-1160SAT range
  • 17-23ACT range
  • 3.45Avg GPA

Applications Due Jan 15

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Florida Gulf Coast University
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F
Fort Myers, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University

Public 4 Year

3 reviews

#1047 Best Value in America

  • 16,167enrollment
  • $10,548net price
  • 77%acceptance rate
  • 1040-1210SAT range
  • 20-25ACT range
  • 4.0Avg GPA

Applications Due Nov 1

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University of Connecticut Stamford
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C
Stamford, CT

University of Connecticut Stamford

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#1048 Best Value in America

  • 2,240enrollment
  • $13,150net price
  • 80%acceptance rate
  • 960-1230SAT range
  • 16-25ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA

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Johnson & Wales University Charlotte
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J
Charlotte, NC
 

Johnson & Wales University Charlotte

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#1049 Best Value in America

  • 1,128enrollment
  • $29,481net price
  • 75%acceptance rate
  • 920-1140SAT range
  • 16-22ACT range
  • NAAvg GPA

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