2026 Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 932 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #2 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Educational Administration students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of The Cumberlands
A rank of #3 makes Concordia University Irvine one of the best values 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Irvine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
William Woods University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Set in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,512. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,401. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on William Woods University
Concordia University Chicago placed #6 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. 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%. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Wilmington University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wilmington University
Doane College Crete placed #9 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $28,802. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Doane College Crete
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Ashland University
Southwest Baptist University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Ferris State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #14 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Drake University profile
Evangel University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Graduates carry a median of $24,876 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Evangel University report
The Sage Colleges came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,164. Students borrow a median of $26,702 to complete their Educational Administration program here. The Sage Colleges alumni report median earnings of $58,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,702 median debt. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges
National Louis University placed #17 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. The median Educational Administration program debt is $29,242. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
University Of St Francis came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Educational Administration program here. University Of St Francis alumni report median earnings of $63,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Northern Illinois University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Educational Administration program here. 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. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. 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. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Gwynedd Mercy College placed #23 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,838. Students borrow a median of $29,764 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $67,145 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,764 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Gwynedd Mercy College
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. Set against $27,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Northwest Nazarene University
City University Of Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $18,000. City University Of Seattle alumni report median earnings of $69,460 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle
Youngstown State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Holy Family University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Holy Family University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Holy Family University
Bethel University Minnesota placed #29 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #30 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Carson Newman College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Carson Newman College
Gonzaga University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,639. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Illinois University
Centenary College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,732. Graduates carry a median of $25,081 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,081 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. More on Centenary College
Aurora University placed #35 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,507 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Aurora University
Freed Hardeman University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. 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
University Of Mary placed #37 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Mary
Harding University placed #38 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,715. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Harding University
University Of Delaware placed #39 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. The median Educational Administration program debt is $28,605. Median earnings reach $53,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Union University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about Union University
Missouri Baptist University placed #41 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,122. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,660. Set against $27,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Missouri Baptist University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Grand Canyon University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Grand Canyon University Educational Administration students take on a median of $30,027 in debt. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Grand Canyon University
University Of South Dakota came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Piedmont College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Piedmont College Educational Administration students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Piedmont College report
Bellarmine University placed #46 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,770. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,766. Bellarmine University alumni report median earnings of $62,069 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,766 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Bellarmine University
Wingate University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wingate, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,576. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,556. Median earnings reach $52,649 ten years out. Set against $25,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wingate University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,917. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Azusa Pacific University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,709. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. Set against $23,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
Salisbury University placed #50 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Salisbury University Educational Administration students take on a median of $23,545 in debt. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. Set against $23,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Salisbury University
Saint Thomas University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami Gardens, FL, Saint Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,770. Saint Thomas University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,955 in debt. Saint Thomas University alumni report median earnings of $54,272 a decade after entry. Set against $24,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Thomas University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Saint Thomas University
Loyola Marymount University offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. The median Educational Administration program debt is $22,248. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Set against $22,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Administration Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 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).
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