Public schools provide the best value for students without financial aid, according to a ranking of the top 10 colleges.

An investment in a bachelor's degree can yield a significant return. In 2023, college graduates earned a median of $60,000, compared to $36,000 among workers with only a high school diploma, according to the New York Fed.

With the cost of college education increasing to almost six figures at some schools, it is crucial for students and their families to ensure they are getting the best value for their tuition money.

To maximize your return on investment, it may be beneficial to evaluate schools that offer lower upfront costs and have a track record of successful job outcomes for their graduates, such as Georgia Institute of Technology. According to The Princeton Review, this school provides the best value for students without financial aid, based on their assessment of academic offerings, cost, and career prospects.

DON'T MISS: How to master your money and grow your wealth

The National Center for Education Statistics has released the latest data on the average net prices paid by students who don't receive federal financial aid after scholarships and grants. According to this data, these are the 10 colleges that offer the best value to students without financial aid, with tuition prices for first-year, full-time students.

1. Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, Georgia

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $32,938
• 2021-22 average net price: $17,402

2. University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, California

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $47,346
• 2021-22 average net price: $19,257

North Carolina University in Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, NC

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $19,614
• 2021-22 average net price: $10,614

4. University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $78,214 to $90,378 (varies by major)
• 2021-22 average net price: $19,469

5. North Carolina State University — Raleigh, North Carolina

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $33,034
• 2021-22 average net price: $14,852

6. Binghamton University — Binghamton, New York

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $26,950
• 2021-22 average net price: $19,535

7. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, Michigan

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $60,946
• 2021-22 average net price: $19,318

8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, Illinois

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $36,760 to $44,664 (varies by major)
• 2021-22 average net price: $14,544

9. University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas

• The cost of out-of-state tuition for the 2024-25 academic year ranges from $40,582 to $48,712, depending on the major.
• 2021-22 average net price: $17,434

10. University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, California

• 2024-25 out-of-state tuition: $48,636
• 2021-22 average net price: $16,111

According to Payscale, graduates from Georgia Tech earn a median of $92,900 in the first five years of their career and $168,000 with 10 or more years of work experience, which helps to enhance the school's reputation for offering a valuable education.

Although it is not the cheapest option, the $32,999 tuition fee for out-of-state students at this university is only slightly above the national average of $27,023 for public 4-year institutions, as per Education Data Initiative.

Public colleges and universities are typically cheaper than private schools, and all 10 of the best-value schools fall under this category.

While public school graduates earn less than private school graduates 10 years after college, public college graduates see a larger return on investment in the short-term due to taking on less debt to attend school.

Unlike private school graduates, public college students typically have a smaller debt load, with a median of $7,000 compared to $17,000.

Sign up for CNBC's online course to master your money this fall. Our practical strategies will help you hack your budget, reduce your debt, and grow your wealth. Start today to feel more confident and successful. Use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% introductory discount, extended through September 30, 2024, for the back-to-school season.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.