The true value of higher education can be challenging to quantify – Dave Berry breaks down some considerations: https://www.collegeconfidential.com/articles/finding-value-in-higher-education/
The key is agreeing on the metrics to measure “value”. Is that average salary X years after graduation? Entrance into top masters programs? Self-reported “happiness” post-graduation? Debt-to-salary ratio? If you ask my D (attending a top state school with parents who are full-pay) upon graduation if her school was a good value, I’m sure she’d say yes. Her employment options aren’t going to be hamstrung by having to take into consideration student loan payments. On the other hand, if she is unemployed or underemployed 5 years out, the answer might be very different.