2026 Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 analyzed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Northwestern College Iowa, our #1 best-value Educational Administration school in the United States. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,415. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
A rank of #2 makes Hood College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Hood College Educational Administration students take on a median of $17,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Hood College report
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,110. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Wisconsin Lutheran College
You'll get strong value at Northwest Missouri State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,277. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Wayne State College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $22,974. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne State College report
Mcdaniel College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $16,318 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $16,318 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Doane College Crete ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $53,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Doane College Crete
Concordia University Seward landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,726. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Concordia University Chicago placed #11 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Viterbo University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,660 ten years after entry. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Gordon College placed #14 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,372. 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. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. 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. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Youngstown State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Southwest Baptist University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,436. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Winona State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,551. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Winona State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Nazarene University
Hamline University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Hamline University report
York College Pennsylvania came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. York College Pennsylvania Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Henderson State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,244, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. Read the full report on Henderson State University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,016. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
City University Of Seattle came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Educational Administration program here. 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. See the full City University Of Seattle profile
Olivet Nazarene University placed #27 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Carson Newman College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Carson Newman College profile
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Illinois State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Marian University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,204. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,242. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. Set against $27,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marian University Wisconsin report
National Louis University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about National Louis University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Whitworth University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,051. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Whitworth University profile
Baldwin Wallace College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Baldwin Wallace College Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Colorado State University Global Campus placed #39 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Colorado State University Global Campus Educational Administration students take on a median of $16,955 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Global Campus has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Fort Hays State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,967. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Alverno College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. Alverno College Educational Administration students take on a median of $34,425 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,145. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Alverno College
Mckendree University placed #42 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lebanon, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mckendree University report
The College Of New Jersey came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,997 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $24,997 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of New Jersey
Saint Martins University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lacey, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $22,818. Saint Martins University alumni report median earnings of $62,092 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Martins University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Saint Martins University
Northern Illinois University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,398. Students borrow a median of $28,605 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $53,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Union University
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Freed Hardeman University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete their Educational Administration program here. 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. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
Northeastern State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,465. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on Northeastern State University
Liberty University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Get the full Liberty University report
Lindenwood University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Lindenwood University
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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