2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 494 schools 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 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 Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Jamestown College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. Jamestown College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,621. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Jamestown College
Concordia University Irvine came in at #3 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,085. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $22,868. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Fitchburg State University placed #6 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Fitchburg State University
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,277. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
Ashland University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ashland University report
Doane College Crete placed #10 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,802. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Viterbo University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,798 in tuition and fees. Buena Vista University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,317 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Buena Vista University
Wayne State College placed #15 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. Read more about Wayne State College
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Hood College report
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Mckendree University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Mckendree University
Piedmont College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Piedmont College report
Drake University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $22,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. More on Drake University
Ferris State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Ferris State University
Berry College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Mount Berry, GA, Berry College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,486. Students borrow a median of $24,797 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,800 ten years after entry. Set against $24,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Berry College admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Berry College report
Dordt College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,050. Graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,559. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Dordt College profile
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,433. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,254. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,071 ten years after entry. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Alverno College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,145 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Alverno College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Aberdeen, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Northern State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,143 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Midwestern State University profile
William Woods University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,340. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,512. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,401 ten years after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full William Woods University profile
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Mount Marty College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $48,179 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. See the full Mount Marty College profile
University Of St Francis placed #36 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. University Of St Francis Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. 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%. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Warner University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lake Wales, FL. Students from in state pay about $29,992 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,802. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Warner University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,797. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Northern Illinois University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,447 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Fresno Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,660. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,596. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. Set against $24,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fresno Pacific University
City University Of Seattle placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,929 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full City University Of Seattle report
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,896. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Chadron State College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $22,912. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chadron State College
Carroll University placed #47 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,904. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,009 ten years after entry. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Carroll University
Missouri Southern State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Joplin, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $22,241. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,620. That is a strong return on a $22,241 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waxahachie, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,064. Graduates carry a median of $28,248 in student loans. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University alumni report median earnings of $46,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University profile
Evangel University placed #51 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,876. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Evangel University
Georgetown College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Georgetown, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,840. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,938. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgetown College
North Central College came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. North Central College is a private not-for-profit school based in Naperville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,726. Students borrow a median of $25,699 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Central College report
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
National Louis University came in at #55 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,242. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full National Louis University profile
Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 494 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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