2026 Best Value Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Finance Financial Management graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 953 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia Southern University this year in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Out of the 953 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Park University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $22,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read the full report on Park University
Out of the 953 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
A rank of #4 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,542 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,542 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of St Francis came in at #5 on this year's best-value Finance Financial Management ranking in the United States. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $25,695. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on University Of St Francis
Creighton University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,856 in tuition and fees. Creighton University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $26,975 in debt. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. Set against $26,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Creighton University profile
Texas Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Seattle University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Seattle University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #9 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $19,650. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Belhaven University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,250. Belhaven University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $34,181 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,440 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full Belhaven University report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $16,880 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $33,968. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. That is a strong return on a $33,968 median debt. More on Golden Gate University San Francisco
George Washington University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read more about George Washington University
Kansas State University placed #14 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Fordham University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. Graduates carry a median of $26,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,850 median debt. Fordham University has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read the full report on Fordham University
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $23,142. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $25,187 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Students borrow a median of $36,071 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $36,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Phoenix Arizona report
Dakota Wesleyan University placed #20 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. Dakota Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit school based in Mitchell, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,790. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,728. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Dakota Wesleyan University report
University Of Iowa ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,165 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,165 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $22,500. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Students borrow a median of $25,469 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $25,469 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $21,937. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,937 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,060 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,060 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $20,542. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Bloomington
San Francisco State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,440 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $14,440 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Francisco State University
Davenport University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,466. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $30,567. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Davenport University
University Of Chicago ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Iowa State University placed #31 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $21,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $19,550 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $19,550 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Washington State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,762 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,762 median debt. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
Southern Oregon University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ashland, OR, Southern Oregon University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,762, with out-of-state students paying around $31,887. Southern Oregon University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $24,951 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,175 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Oregon University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Southern Oregon University report
New York University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $21,897. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. More on New York University
University Of Miami landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $14,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,328 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Miami admits about 19% of applicants. See the full University Of Miami profile
College Of Our Lady Of The Elms came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicopee, MA, College Of Our Lady Of The Elms is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,325. Graduates carry a median of $27,854 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,540. That is a strong return on a $27,854 median debt. College Of Our Lady Of The Elms admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of Our Lady Of The Elms
University Of New Haven ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. University Of New Haven Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,126 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of New Haven
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $22,843. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Oakland University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Students borrow a median of $23,944 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,944 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Oakland University report
Suny Empire State College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Suny Empire State College Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $23,693 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Suny Empire State College profile
Harvard University placed #43 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
Southern New Hampshire University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,200. Students borrow a median of $29,252 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern New Hampshire University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,276 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
New Jersey Institute Of Technology placed #46 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Newark, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Median earnings reach $84,276 ten years out. Set against $24,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Stony Brook University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Stony Brook University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $20,537 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stony Brook University
Cambridge College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Based in Boston, MA, Cambridge College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,378. Cambridge College Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $29,776 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cambridge College report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,966, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,574 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell report
University Of Southern California ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern California
Eastern Michigan University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $25,847. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $25,847 median debt. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Related Finance Financial Management Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management 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 953 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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