2023 Best Value Colleges in America

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  2,135 reviews

Freshman: I really like the culture here: we emphasize both working hard and playing hard. Now, even for an introvert like myself, this is a great place to meet people, but also to hunker down and work. I really feel like my work matters here. Every assignment serves a purpose. I will say for a tech school, our digital infrastructure is laughable. Sure, our research is protected and secure, but not a day goes by that something does not crash. Not a huge problem, but very frustrating. BUT! Being a liberal arts major at Georgia Tech awards you countless advantages. Programs are small and deliberate, with so many hands-on, technical aspects to each class. Definitely the place to be for the modern liberal arts student!... Read 2,135 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $17,410

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Golden, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  946 reviews

Freshman: Colorado School of Mines is a perfect school for those who are seeking to learn from others, are inspired by innovation and technology, and are driven to achieve. Yes, it is a very academically rigorous school but there are so many fun events, great resources, and support offered and the community is so supportive. I love going to a smaller school and being able to get involved in my school community and get a substantial amount of professional and career advice already just as a first-year undergrad!... Read 946 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $27,675

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  2,342 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Virginia is a great school! There is a beautiful campus containing many of the brightest, most optimistic, and welcoming minds in the world. After finishing up my first year "On-Grounds," as all Wahoos call it, I have left more impressed than I came in. Professors and students alike extend themselves as learning resources and don't mind the extra effort to help a student who seeks it. As an African-American student though, I would love to see the diversity rate continue to trend upwards as the semesters and school years go by. UVA has a welcoming campus but at times, I feel that the "Unite the Right Rally" tragedy from 2017 still scares away students of color and other minority groups due to the false idea that UVA "isn't a protected campus."... Read 2,342 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 23%

• Net price $19,043

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  4,519 reviews

Sophomore: Michigan is truly the best of all worlds! World class academics? Check! Top tier athletics? Check! Great party scene? Check! It is so easy to get involved with a wide variety of interests. There's more clubs than I can name here. Opportunities are plentiful, especially involving research. STEM majors especially can easily get involved with the hospital and research facilities nearby. Complaints: diversity should be better, and some of the first-year facilities are average. That being said, this feels like a very accepting school compared to the surrounding areas, and most people tend to be very open minded. Otherwise, Ann Arbor is a great town. Campus feels safe to walk around, even at night, and the directly surrounding areas generally don't have issues. Honestly, I can't speak highly enough about how great this school is. I can't imagine going anywhere else. Go Blue!... Read 4,519 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 26%

• Net price $17,832

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Vallejo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  157 reviews

Freshman: Cal Maritime University overall is an alright university, it provides us students with the interesting and unique degrees and teachings. This university specializes in teaching Maritime arts, and professionalism. As a current freshman I thought that it was going to be more militarist and strict, but it is quit lenity. overall, I think that it is beneficial academy and prepares us for our next steps into the world and helps build needed connections throughout the industry for our major. the campus is nice, and the community is inclusive within the small number of candidates that attend. even though there are a handful of people at this university the connections we are able to make here are extremely beneficial within the maritime community.... Read 157 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $21,069

• SAT range 960-1190

• Houghton, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,012 reviews

Freshman: I recently got admitted into Michigan tech! So far it has been a thrilling affair with their admission process. It was really easy to apply and I'm really happy that I have the opportunity to go to such a great university. I had always wanted to be a husky and my dream is finally coming into fruition. Financing was my only obstacle. I had the grades, extracurricular activities, sports but not the money to get there. Niche and several other scholarships have given me hope that I might eventually end up there. Michigan tech has been helpful with all the opportunities they have provided. To sum it all up, I'm happy I got the chance.... Read 1,012 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,356

• SAT range 1160-1350

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,356 reviews

Freshman: The student life here is amazing, and it's clear the university wants its students to feel comfortable on campus. TA's and professors have been mostly receptive to emails and eager to help out when needed. The location and surrounding resources are valuable and easy to take advantage of as a student. I wish professors were better equipped to use canvas or some other teaching website. Also, there should be a standardized attendance app or website that is used by all teachers rather than having to download two or three separate applications in a semester depending on which professors you have. Overall, a great experience!... Read 3,356 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $14,030

• SAT range 1260-1460

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,841 reviews

Graduate Student: As a working adult and someone who is somewhat cautious about recent COVID complications, a program that is online seemed the best route for me. I looked at a lot of different Universities that offered online programs, but price also was a big concern for me too. Through my searches I came across the University of Illinois and their iMBA program. After looking into the program and realizing what a great university the school was, I was also happy knowing it was within my home state of Illinois. Further, the iMBA program was offered at a reasonable price that ultimately made me go with University of Illinois. This is a great University that is well know and that offers a nationally top ranked learning experience! Their online iMBA program was just what I was looking for to continue my education. The are a lot of fellow working adults from all aspects of varying careers. Its a great opportunity to work with and learn from so many others who can offer a different view and perspective.... Read 4,841 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $13,517

• SAT range 1200-1460

• West Lafayette, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  4,951 reviews

Freshman: So far, I have really enjoyed my time at Purdue University. My courses have allowed me to gain hands-on experience even in my freshman year. There are clubs for practically anything you could dream of, and those clubs have already allowed me to have incredible opportunities! One club even allowed me to participate in bird banding- who can say they've done that? Purdue creates an inclusive environment that fosters learning and allows students to grow into impressive adults.... Read 4,951 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $12,294

• SAT range 1170-1420

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  7,860 reviews

Graduate Student: I am a remote graduate student, studying Arts in Medicine. My experience with UF has been loaded with skill building, networking and the confidence to push my new knowledge into my local community; strengthening my opportunities post-graduation. The online courses and engagement have been optimal for completing my MA, while having the flexibility to work full-time. I feel supported and encouraged from my instructors and peers. Meeting face to face at graduation will be extra special! I am confident that my remote relationships will continue to build and become strong references when advancing into my field.... Read 7,860 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $10,075

• SAT range 1290-1460

• Buzzards Bay, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  181 reviews

Alum: Despite its limited degree options, Mass. Maritime excels in providing in depth courses and training to future industry leaders. The teachers care very much for student progress and due to our vast alumni network, will most likely set you up with an employer from your field of study. I had a great experience at Mass. Maritime, if you put in the work and stay open minded to everything this school has to offer then you have the chance of doing very well. Most who hate on the school do so because they wasted their 4 years complaining or getting in trouble instead of applying themselves. This school is a great place to flush out the leaders from the followers.... Read 181 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $17,635

• SAT range 1030-1180

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  2,561 reviews

Senior: UNC Chapel-Hill is definitely challenging academically, but overall an excellent institution! Despite lots of challenges with the COVID-19 year (part of my sophomore spring and entire junior year), I was able to complete most of my major, and will finish school on-time. Met some excellent professors in the EXSS department who truly care about my learning and success as a student, and was afforded the opportunity to begin research in the MOTION Institute, specifically regarding ACL reconstruction as an undergraduate RA, even in my senior year, when many told me it would be 'too late' to start. UNC also is close to the Newman Center for Catholic students, which is very welcoming and hosts weekly Wednesday night dinners as part of a social get-together for like-minded undergraduates - set-up, cooking, and cleaning all done by students!... Read 2,561 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $10,038

• SAT range 1280-1490

• San Luis Obispo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  3,884 reviews

Junior: My time at Cal Poly has been amazing! The people, the weather, the quarterly-system (soon to be semester in 2026), the delicious food; all of it amounts to the perfect campus. The weather here is not too cold nor too hot. It almost never rains, but when it does, expect a huge shower. The students are nice. They even have a Discord server (”Cal Poly Friendos”) to hang out in. The staff and faculty are always patient and helpful. I don’t understand why the food is a D+. I’ve eaten many meals, and never felt the food, as school food, deserves a B or less. I’m guessing students have too high expectations, thinking it should be as great as downtown food. Yet that’s unfair, because the average campus meals cost $9, while most expensive ones are $12. Off-campus is usually at least $16. Thus there will be a quality difference. Cal Poly may not serve the “best” food, but it definitely serves some of the best school foods I’ve had. I wouldn't ask to be in another school. Consider applying.... Read 3,884 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $20,491

• SAT range 1240-1440

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,532 reviews

Junior: Love the campus! The coursework is rigorous no matter your major, but there's tons of classes that are so niche and interesting to explore! This school will give you a challenge for sure! Having to apply to your major is a huge downside-- there's a decent chance you might not get to study what you want if the major is competitive and your GPA and statements aren't competitive enough (there's just too many students). Similarly, you can't take major classes until you get accepted into the major (which usually isn't until your junior year), so that can delay the graduation process if you don't schedule and plan your degree right. Because of the large student body, everyone is clawing for everything-- registration for classes is a nightmare, long lines at dining halls and events, etc. (you can expect to sometimes wait more than an hour for food, applying to housing/registration takes hours as well because the server is being filled with so many students).... Read 4,532 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $9,661

• SAT range 1200-1470

• Socorro, NM•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  546 reviews

Alum: Very, very challenging at times but take pride in knowing everyone else is in the trenches with you. Best engineering programs in the state, hands down. Classmates range like everywhere else, but I made very strong and lasting relationships! The town and campus are very small, but safe and allow for many outdoor activities; decent weather all year. The biggest selling point is the reputation, almost guaranteed internship while in school, even one on campus allowed me to work out of state and on patent pending technologies. Most important, I passed my FE, became EIT and secured a job in San Diego within a month of leaving, DEBT FREE!... Read 546 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,834

• SAT range 1150-1370

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  4,303 reviews

Freshman: UC Berkeley has a variety of student experiences academic opportunities. In terms of common/popular majors, seeing from my first year, many students study Computer Science/EECS, Data Science, Psychology, or Pre-Haas (Business). However, one of the biggest disadvantages of the Berkeley/Bay Area area is the high cost of living. In addition, UC Berkeley only guarantees dorm housing for first-years, so figuring out arrangements for off-campus housing in the future is a burden many students have to face early into their college experience. But as long as you stay on top of your research, and keep in mind your budget, that can be overcome. Overall, the key to success at UC Berkeley is awareness. Be grounded in your goals and taking the initiative to reach them!... Read 4,303 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $19,329

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Rolla, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,025 reviews

Sophomore: Missouri S&T is an excellent university, and is top-notch within the state. Campus is very pretty, interconnected, and easy to travel through. The meal variety has improved significantly in recent years, and campus continues to improve and expand with the 300 million dollar grant given to the school recently. All of my professors have been helpful and engaging, and the reputation of this school proceeds it. I am only a sophomore and I am already getting internship offers! The career fair here is huge and job recruiters highly value an S&T degree. Rolla itself leaves something to be desired though. I feel safe on campus and student life is not nearly as bad as people say. There's plenty of clubs and organizations to join. The town of Rolla is super walkable and has plenty of shops, parks, and restaurants to explore. If you are interested in a STEM degree or desire a highly academic environment, S&T is the school for you.... Read 1,025 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $13,476

• SAT range 1240-1390

• Williamsburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,562 reviews

Junior: William & Mary is an amazing school, and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful peers, professors, and others who have made my experience so great. For people that don't want to go to very big school but also don't want to feel like everyone knows everyone, it's a great size. Additionally, it's a school with a very active student body that is both very caring and involved in trying to constantly better the W&M community. If you are someone who cares a lot about learning but also wants to make some amazing friends and live in an area with a lot of really interesting history, I definitely suggest looking into studying here! One of my favorite things about W&M is how many student groups, of all different types and sizes, exist on campus; I really do think that there's something for everyone. Furthermore, the vast majority of my professors have been fantastic and extremely dedicated to helping students succeed in their courses.... Read 1,562 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 42%

• Net price $18,588

• SAT range 1300-1490

• Blacksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,053 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Virginia Tech. All of my professors were extremely nice and some went out of their way to help me even in large classes where I thought they viewed me as "just a number." When I toured, the university seemed huge and intimidating, but as time went on, I realized that the school is quite small and really is "home." The food is AMAZING. The whole university is just a big family. There is nothing like Virginia Tech sports and jumping to Enter Sandman before games. Go Hokies! My freshman dorm had no A/C, but it was still the best experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The campus offers many safety features such a "safe ride" where you can call the campus police to give you a ride across campus to ensure your safety getting from place to place.... Read 4,053 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $20,247

• SAT range 1170-1370

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  3,816 reviews

Alum: Overall, my experience at UCSD was very positive. The academics can be intense at times, however I never felt helpless in my courses. There are many opportunities to seek guidance, but it is up to the students to find them. Even though my experience at UCSD was a great one, I have a lot of friends who had completely different experiences simply because they were in a different major or a different college within UCSD. The difference between the GE requirements per college is insane! Getting admitted into Revelle or ERC means you must be prepared for a rigorous writing series regardless of your major. I believe the UCSD experience is what you make of it. You can find your niche, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there to find it. Location wise you have easy access to the beach, a great selection of food and shopping, with reasonable housing prices, so in that regard UCSD has a lot going for it.... Read 3,816 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $15,222

• SAT range 1270-1480

• Butte, MT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  494 reviews

Junior: I love Tech! It is incredibly easy to get in touch with professors and receive extra help through the ACE Tutoring Center (Which is included with tuition). You can recieve one-on-one tutoring from a student that has already taken the class, as well as participate in group study sessions for more universally difficult classes, such as calculus. I also found it easy to get involved through the many events that Tech offers throughout the year. While it's a small university, there are still many clubs and groups to join as well. Finding a job on campus is simple, and the career center is a huge help for reviewing resumes and getting ready for an interview or career fair.... Read 494 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $14,618

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Castine, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.15 out of 5  169 reviews

Senior: Maine Maritime is a school unlike any other, even amongst the other maritime schools. Located in rural Maine with a population of only 4,000, students develop a close-knit sense of community. The comradery amongst the population is also largely due to those characteristics. Maine Maritime Academy itself is located on the Castine Peninsula in Maine, overlooking the Penobscot Bay Area. With the nearest metropolitan area an hour away, students rely on interaction with their peers and the population of Castine. The result of which being a symbiotic relationship between local businesses and the energetic students. Furthermore, with the minute student body, residents quickly establish relationships within the multitude of teams and clubs found on campus. Moreover, they are able to share their experiences between organizations allowing the class as a whole to benefit. Through this comradery, alumni fulfil the school's mission to establish future leaders of industry.... Read 169 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $18,739

• SAT range 1000-1160

• Lexington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  208 reviews

Freshman: Virginia Military Institute provides a one of a kind college experience that offers its students the chance to become leaders and prepare for life. It focuses heavily on teaching honor and integrity. The most appealing part of VMI is the connection you make with the people in your class. It is a small school, so the relationships you create are important and will last a lifetime. Cadets are not required to commission into the armed forces, and oftentimes find well-paying jobs right out of college. It has excellent alumni who are supportive and involved with the corps of cadets. VMI is no ordinary school, but it is worth all the hardships.... Read 208 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $18,969

• SAT range 1070-1260

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  3,344 reviews

Freshman: As a current undecided student, I think that NC State creates a very cohesive community amongst their students and staff. My current advisor truly cares about her students and wants to assist them in finding a major whilst providing them with opportunities to speak with professionals in their intended career. The professors are all very passionate about what they are teaching and are understanding of possible setbacks that a student can endure throughout their education. While the size of the university can be initially daunting, the campus is beautiful and the tight knit feeling makes the big campus feel like home very quickly. Of course with a large university like NC State, having resources for the students is very important. With a number of tragic student deaths this past semester, I think there needs to be a reevaluation on the importance of mental health with the implementation of more counseling resources and mental health days. However, I am so happy to be a part of the pack!... Read 3,344 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $14,600

• SAT range 1230-1410

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  6,530 reviews

Sophomore: I think a lot of the campus resources are great, and I love my classes so far. A lot of the student organizations that you can join have long waitlists, so it’s good to plan early on the type of extracurricular environment you’d like to be a part of. The buildings on campus range from stellar architectural masterpieces to modern works of art. There are very few things lacking, but part of the package deal of living in Austin is the construction. The whole city, including a lot of campus as of now, is hard to navigate with all of the work being done. It’s very important to do the absolute utmost asap, as the course load and competitive environment encourage daily task building. Doing work as soon as possible is practically the only way to be able to experience social events. If you’ve studies in a smaller environment, especially for intro classes, you’ll run into some kinks trying to adapt to the larger class sizes. What starts here changes the world!... Read 6,530 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 32%

• Net price $16,892

• SAT range 1210-1470