2026 Best Value Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Human Resource Management graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 815 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile 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 Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Human Resource Management school in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
Columbia Southern University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Human Resource Management ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Columbia Southern University Human Resource Management students take on a median of $27,811 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Park University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Human Resource Management ranking in the United States. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Students borrow a median of $19,383 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. More on Park University
You'll get strong value at Colorado State University Global Campus, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. Colorado State University Global Campus Human Resource Management students take on a median of $33,343 in debt. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report
Out of the 815 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Chicago landed the #5 spot. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $34,419. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
American Public University System landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Human Resource Management students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. More on American Public University System
Grantham University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,520 in tuition and fees. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $46,803. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Grantham University
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Human Resource Management students take on a median of $29,919 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $22,979. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $22,979 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
University Of Maryland University College placed #11 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $26,552. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,552 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
University Of St Francis placed #12 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. More on University Of St Francis
Anderson University Sc came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Anderson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,101. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Anderson University Sc report
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full Villanova University report
Indiana Institute Of Technology came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,361 in tuition and fees. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $36,380. 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 has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Indiana Institute Of Technology
Champlain College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Burlington, VT, Champlain College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,850 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,983 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,386 ten years after entry. Set against $28,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Champlain College
University Of Phoenix Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Students borrow a median of $31,628 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Human Resource Management students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Montclair State University placed #19 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Mount St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Emmitsburg, MD, Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,630 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,539 in student loans. Mount St Marys University alumni report median earnings of $64,072 a decade after entry. Set against $23,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount St Marys University report
Thomas Edison State College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Thomas Edison State College Human Resource Management students take on a median of $25,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,331. That is a strong return on a $25,625 median debt. Read more about Thomas Edison State College
Texas A And M University College Station placed #22 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Human Resource Management students take on a median of $19,970 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Walden University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University Human Resource Management students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Troy, MI, Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,629. Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration Human Resource Management students take on a median of $16,728 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,081 ten years after entry. Set against $16,728 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration profile
Queens University Of Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,846. Students borrow a median of $27,245 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Queens University Of Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,673 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full Queens University Of Charlotte report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Human Resource Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Human Resource Management students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Golden Gate University San Francisco report
Capella University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $36,121 in student loans. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,121 median debt. Read more about Capella University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #28 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Belhaven University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $30,250. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $34,181. 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. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Belhaven University
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,670 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University
Lipscomb University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $40,572. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $26,298. Lipscomb University alumni report median earnings of $55,541 a decade after entry. Set against $26,298 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lipscomb University report
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Brenau University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, GA, Brenau University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,757. Students borrow a median of $36,299 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Median earnings reach $54,003 ten years out. Set against $36,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brenau University
Texas Tech University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #36 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Human Resource Management students take on a median of $21,783 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Universidad Del Turabo landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $14,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,155 median debt. See the full Universidad Del Turabo profile
Loyola University Chicago ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Indiana State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Indiana State University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $32,987. The College Of Saint Scholastica alumni report median earnings of $65,934 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,987 median debt. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full The College Of Saint Scholastica report
La Roche College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, La Roche College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,052 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,078 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,341. Set against $27,078 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full La Roche College report
Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary placed #42 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Bethlehem, PA, Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,500. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $26,857. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,860. That is a strong return on a $26,857 median debt. The acceptance rate is 54%. Read the full report on Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary
Emmanuel College Massachusetts ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,550. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $26,866. Emmanuel College Massachusetts alumni report median earnings of $68,245 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Emmanuel College Massachusetts report
University Of Richmond ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. Located in University of Richmond, VA, University Of Richmond is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,230. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Human Resource Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,178 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Richmond
Devry University Illinois ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Human Resource Management schools. This private for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,008. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $43,684. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,987. Set against $43,684 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Devry University Illinois admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Devry University Illinois
Tennessee Technological University placed #46 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. That is a strong return on a $17,580 median debt. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Tennessee Technological University
Marymount University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,120. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $26,880. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,516 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marymount University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Marymount University
George Washington University placed #48 among the best-value Human Resource Management schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $20,793 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $20,793 median debt. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. More on George Washington University
Upper Iowa University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,475. The median Human Resource Management program debt is $41,006. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,766. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Upper Iowa University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Human Resource Management student debt is $22,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Related Human Resource Management Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Human Resource Management Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Human Resource Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Resource Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Resource Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Resource Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Resource Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Human Resource Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 815 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).