2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 173 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Minnesota State University Mankato, our #1 best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland University College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Winona State University landed the #3 spot. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University
A rank of #4 makes Montclair State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Dakota landed the #5 spot. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,408. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
California State University Fresno ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno Educational Assessment students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Fresno
Loyola University Chicago placed #12 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
Washington State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Washington State University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Kansas State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Georgia placed #17 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Iowa State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Iowa State University profile
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,324 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,151 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga report
Purdue University Main Campus placed #20 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
James Madison University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. James Madison University alumni report median earnings of $69,954 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on James Madison University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $21,181 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Texas Tech University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $21,577. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Arkansas landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Temple University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $26,259. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Arizona
Georgia Southern University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $53,236 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
University Of Iowa placed #32 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Iowa
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #34 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,836. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Ball State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Ball State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Ball State University
Nova Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #38 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Kentucky placed #39 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,094. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Georgia State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Georgia State University
Western Michigan University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $27,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Miami University Oxford placed #44 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Miami University Oxford Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,177 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford
University At Buffalo ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Graduates carry a median of $22,232 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
Michigan State University placed #46 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Rochester came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,517 in student loans. University Of Rochester alumni report median earnings of $79,042 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. University Of Rochester has an acceptance rate of 40%. Get the full University Of Rochester report
University Of Massachusetts Boston offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,236. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Boston profile
University Of Connecticut placed #50 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Connecticut Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,637 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Tufts University
Tufts University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on Tufts University
Missouri Western State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
Related Educational Assessment Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment 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 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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