2026 Best Value General Business Commerce Schools
Looking for the best-value General Business Commerce programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 948 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Business Commerce Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value General Business Commerce school in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $21,427. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $21,427 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
Out of the 948 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Nebraska Wesleyan University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,572. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,405 ten years out. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nebraska Wesleyan University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Nebraska Wesleyan University report
A rank of #3 makes University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras one of the best values in the United States. Set in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,324. Typical General Business Commerce student debt is $5,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
A rank of #5 makes Valparaiso University one of the best values in the United States. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Typical General Business Commerce student debt is $26,724. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Valparaiso University profile
University Of Maryland University College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,276 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,276 median debt. Get the full University Of Maryland University College report
Concordia University Seward landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Columbia College Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,999 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,378. That is a strong return on a $27,999 median debt. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
Lindenwood University placed #9 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lindenwood University
Gonzaga University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Texas Tech University placed #11 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Post University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Post University is a private for-profit school based in Waterbury, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $15,922. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $35,364. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $35,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Post University
Oklahoma Wesleyan University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Based in Bartlesville, OK, Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,550. Students borrow a median of $40,831 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,841. That is a strong return on a $40,831 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma Wesleyan University report
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina placed #14 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Set in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,570, while out-of-state students pay about $38,508. Students borrow a median of $24,305 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina admits about 23% of applicants. More on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Edmond, OK. Students from in state pay about $27,180 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,721 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,203. That is a strong return on a $24,721 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma Christian University report
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. Typical General Business Commerce student debt is $23,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Biola University
Louisiana Tech University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Students borrow a median of $23,846 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
Bellevue University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $27,025. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,025 median debt. See the full Bellevue University profile
Campbellsville University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Campbellsville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $27,998. Graduates carry a median of $24,675 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,583. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Campbellsville University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Campbellsville University profile
Henderson State University placed #20 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Henderson State University profile
Loyola Marymount University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Loyola Marymount University General Business Commerce students take on a median of $22,248 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola Marymount University
Saint Josephs University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $26,426 in student loans. Saint Josephs University alumni report median earnings of $86,881 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,426 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Saint Josephs University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $21,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,750 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Median earnings reach $50,220 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Kentucky University
Rockhurst University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kansas City, MO, Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,966. Graduates carry a median of $24,111 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,102. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rockhurst University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Business Commerce Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Texas landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $18,050 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $18,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $27,166 in tuition and fees. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $24,499. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis report
University Of Kansas placed #28 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas General Business Commerce students take on a median of $24,480 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $24,480 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Indiana Institute Of Technology came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,361. Students borrow a median of $36,380 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,327. Set against $36,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana Institute Of Technology admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Indiana Institute Of Technology
Grand Valley State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Grand Valley State University General Business Commerce students take on a median of $21,025 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $21,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $23,393. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,755 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Median earnings reach $65,934 ten years out. Set against $26,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical General Business Commerce student debt is $25,675. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,675 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne General Business Commerce students take on a median of $22,764 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Set against $22,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
Mercer University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,565. Typical General Business Commerce student debt is $51,452. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Mercer University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #37 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center General Business Commerce students take on a median of $14,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Lehigh University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lehigh University profile
Niagara University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Niagara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Niagara University, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,345. Students borrow a median of $26,208 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,196. Set against $26,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Niagara University profile
Spalding University placed #40 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Located in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,000. Spalding University General Business Commerce students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Spalding University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Spalding University
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Bethel University Tennessee ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit school based in McKenzie, TN. Students from in state pay about $18,712 in tuition and fees. Bethel University Tennessee General Business Commerce students take on a median of $24,188 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,482. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full Bethel University Tennessee profile
Emory University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on Emory University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute placed #45 among the best-value General Business Commerce schools in the United States. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,765. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester Polytechnic Institute admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median General Business Commerce program debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Northeastern University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Northeastern University General Business Commerce students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Bowie State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,474 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Bowie State University alumni report median earnings of $54,537 a decade after entry. Set against $28,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bowie State University
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Business Commerce schools. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Eastern Kentucky University General Business Commerce students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Eastern Kentucky University
University Of North Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,439 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Indiana University Southeast landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Albany, IN, Indiana University Southeast is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $22,062 to complete their General Business Commerce program here. Median earnings reach $47,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Southeast
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology General Business Commerce students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
Best Value General Business Commerce Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value General Business Commerce Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Business Commerce Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 948 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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