2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 173 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 Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $12,184. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Delaware came in at #3 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Fontbonne University landed the #4 spot. Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $29,976 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $33,503. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,825. Set against $33,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fontbonne University
A rank of #5 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Augusta University placed #6 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Augusta University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,745 in debt. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Augusta University
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,035 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $18,559. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,396. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full University Of California Santa Cruz profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
A T Still University Of Health Sciences ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full A T Still University Of Health Sciences report
University Of Georgia ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Educational Assessment students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,977 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #12 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,778. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Boston College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $18,101. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about Boston College
University Of Iowa landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #17 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Arkansas ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #19 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Clemson University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clemson University report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Western Michigan University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Western Michigan University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $27,981 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University Of Florida landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Florida State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,488 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida State University profile
Middle Tennessee State University placed #27 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Middle Tennessee State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,754 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Middle Tennessee State University
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Kent State University At Kent came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
University Of Kentucky came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,559. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $54,659 a decade after entry. Set against $23,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs profile
University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $19,738. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,792. Set against $19,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #36 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Michigan State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,213. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of California Irvine ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $16,539. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
The University Of Alabama placed #39 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,472. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
University Of Oregon came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,034. Median earnings reach $61,324 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,034 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Oregon
Wayne State University placed #43 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,493. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wayne State University
University Of Denver came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,398. University Of Denver Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Denver has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Denver
University Of Connecticut landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of Arizona ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Michigan Dearborn profile
Cleveland State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Cleveland State University
Muskingum University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full Muskingum University profile
East Carolina University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. More on East Carolina University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about National University
Related Educational Assessment Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Assessment Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Assessment Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s 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 173 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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