2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 494 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Out of the 494 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Jamestown College landed the #2 spot. Set in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,990. Jamestown College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Jamestown College alumni report median earnings of $56,621 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Jamestown College has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Jamestown College
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Irvine
A rank of #4 makes University Of The Cumberlands one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Typical Curriculum Instruction student 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 more about 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. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. 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. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ashland University
Doane College Crete came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $28,802 in student loans. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College placed #11 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,664 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Buena Vista University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Buena Vista University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,317 in debt. Buena Vista University alumni report median earnings of $49,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Buena Vista University
Wayne State College placed #14 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wayne State College
Concordia University Seward ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Northwest Missouri State University placed #16 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Drake University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Drake University
Ferris State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ferris State University
Hood College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hood College report
Mckendree University placed #20 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Mckendree University report
Berry College placed #21 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Berry, GA. Students from in state pay about $41,486 in tuition and fees. Berry College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,797 in debt. 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. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Berry College report
Dordt College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,559. That is a strong return on a $21,812 median debt. Dordt College admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Dordt College profile
Peru State College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,433. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Peru State College alumni report median earnings of $47,071 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Peru State College report
Alverno College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Alverno College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $34,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Alverno College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $27,471. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Northern State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,143. Northern State University alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Chicago
Midwestern State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Students borrow a median of $26,415 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Midwestern State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
William Woods University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. William Woods University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full William Woods University report
Mount Marty College placed #31 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read the full report on Mount Marty College
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
University Of St Francis placed #33 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,695. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Warner University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Lake Wales, FL, Warner University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,992. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,802. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,086 ten years after entry. Set against $25,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on Warner University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Olivet Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,797. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Fresno Pacific University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,596 in student loans. Fresno Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $58,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,596 median debt. Fresno Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
City University Of Seattle placed #39 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. City University Of Seattle Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. City University Of Seattle alumni report median earnings of $69,460 a decade after entry. 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 #39 position. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,373. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Northern Illinois University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Illinois State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,896. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Chadron State College placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Graduates carry a median of $22,912 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,002. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chadron State College report
Carroll University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $58,009 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,904 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Carroll University profile
Missouri Southern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $22,241 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,620. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri Southern State University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waxahachie, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,064. Students borrow a median of $28,248 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,238 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,248 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University profile
Evangel University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,876. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,573. That is a strong return on a $24,876 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Evangel University
Georgetown College placed #49 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Georgetown, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,840. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,938. Median earnings reach $52,074 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown College has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Georgetown College profile
North Central College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,699. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Central College has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on North Central College
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Freed Hardeman University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about Freed Hardeman University
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $29,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on National Louis University
Lewis University offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Based in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Students borrow a median of $24,838 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lewis University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
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 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 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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