2026 Best Value Educational Administration Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 932 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
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 Educational Administration Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
A rank of #2 makes Martin Luther College one of the best values in the United States. Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit school based in New Ulm, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $18,120. Martin Luther College Educational Administration students take on a median of $20,224 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Martin Luther College
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #3 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $49,802 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #4 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Concordia University Irvine came in at #5 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $12,184. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Worcester State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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%. See the full Worcester State University profile
Hood College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Hood College
University Of Sioux Falls placed #9 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,521. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full University Of Sioux Falls report
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Educational Administration 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. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Ashland University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,536. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ashland University report
Northwest Missouri State University placed #13 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,585. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Benedictine College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Benedictine College is a private not-for-profit school based in Atchison, KS. Students from in state pay about $36,350 in tuition and fees. Benedictine College Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Benedictine College has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Benedictine College
Morningside College placed #15 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Morningside College
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Doane College Crete
Charleston Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Graduates carry a median of $27,569 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,898. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
Providence College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Providence College is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Students from in state pay about $63,550 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,833 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,054 ten years after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. Read the full report on Providence College
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #19 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $16,318. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $16,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Southwest Baptist University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Southwest Baptist University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
William Woods University placed #22 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,512. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about William Woods University
Grace College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,645 in tuition and fees. Grace College And Theological Seminary Educational Administration students take on a median of $21,211 in debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Grace College And Theological Seminary
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,562. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Concordia University Seward came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,726. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Concordia University Seward report
Fitchburg State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,840. 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. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,054. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
Concordia University Chicago placed #29 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. More on Concordia University Chicago
Wayne State College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wayne State College
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $29,026. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Viterbo University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Graduates carry a median of $29,107 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
Drake University placed #33 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Drake University
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Gordon College
Dordt College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Dordt College admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Dordt College profile
The Sage Colleges landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $38,164. Students borrow a median of $26,702 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges
Midwestern State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
Bethel College Mishawaka landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Bethel College Mishawaka is a private not-for-profit school based in Mishawaka, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Graduates carry a median of $31,824 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel College Mishawaka has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Bethel College Mishawaka
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Hamline University report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,537. York College Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,012 a decade after entry. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,016. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Chadron State College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $22,912. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chadron State College
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwest Nazarene University
United States University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,108. Graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full United States University report
Westminster College Pa came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,290 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Westminster College Pa alumni report median earnings of $53,861 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. Westminster College Pa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Olivet Nazarene University placed #48 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration 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. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
City University Of Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. City University Of Seattle Educational Administration students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,143. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Northern State University
Holy Family University placed #51 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Holy Family University
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Whitworth University
Best Value Educational Administration Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Educational Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 932 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).