2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 494 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Concordia University Chicago to be the best-value Curriculum Instruction school in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Mckendree University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Mckendree University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Mckendree University alumni report median earnings of $58,572 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Piedmont College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $29,975. 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%. See the full Piedmont College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
You'll get strong value at Illinois State University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Aurora University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,507. Median earnings reach $58,709 ten years out. Set against $24,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Aurora University
National Louis University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,242. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about National Louis University
Lindenwood University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $14,694. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
Liberty University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
Capella University placed #11 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $35,998. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. More on Capella University
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boiling Springs, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,750. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $48,039 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Gardner Webb University admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on Gardner Webb University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,867 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wyoming placed #14 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wyoming
Valdosta State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Valdosta State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $28,661 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,361. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Valdosta State University
University Of Memphis ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,521. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $20,031. 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
Depaul University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Depaul University report
University Of North Texas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $19,844. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Mercer University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Macon, GA. Students from in state pay about $31,565 in tuition and fees. Mercer University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $32,463 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercer University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Get the full Mercer University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Utah State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $16,191. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Utah State University profile
Indiana State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,582. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana State University
Cuny Hunter College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $11,091. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,163. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
University Of New Orleans offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,048 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $47,872 ten years out. Set against $23,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of New Orleans report
University Of Florida placed #30 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Louisiana Monroe offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Monroe, LA, University Of Louisiana Monroe is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,190, with out-of-state students paying around $21,290. Students borrow a median of $22,465 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $46,769 ten years out. Set against $22,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Louisiana Monroe
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,100. Median earnings reach $59,004 ten years out. Set against $21,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
St Johns University New York ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,529. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,571 ten years after entry. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on St Johns University New York
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #35 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $35,323 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
Texas Tech University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,271. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Tennessee Technological University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Tennessee Technological University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $17,580 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee Technological University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Tennessee Technological University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,586. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
University Of Arkansas placed #46 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $24,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #47 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Curriculum Instruction student 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. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Ohio University Main Campus placed #50 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,546. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Lincoln Memorial University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,938. Lincoln Memorial University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $20,693 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,956 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,693 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lincoln Memorial University
Related Curriculum Instruction Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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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