2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 reviewed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Morningside College to be the best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Morningside College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #2 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. Western Governors University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Governors University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilson College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Wilson College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Campbellsville University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Campbellsville, KY, Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,998 in tuition and fees. Campbellsville University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,148 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,583. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Campbellsville University
University Of Maryland University College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
National Louis University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $29,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
Missouri Western State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
Houston Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $39,430. Graduates carry a median of $25,601 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,933 ten years after entry. Set against $25,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Houston Baptist University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,469, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,795. Median earnings reach $45,744 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwestern Oklahoma State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,347. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of California Irvine landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. University Of California Irvine Educational Assessment students take on a median of $16,539 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $16,481. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,162. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #18 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,115. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Florida placed #22 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $17,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Cleveland State University placed #24 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Cleveland State University report
George Washington University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Get the full George Washington University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Iowa landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about University Of Iowa
Florida State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,488. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida State University
Western Michigan University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $27,981. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Michigan University
Stanford University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
Georgia State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,091. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Georgia State University
University Of Colorado Denver ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. University Of Colorado Denver Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,582 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
New York University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of The Southwest landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hobbs, NM, University Of The Southwest is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,670. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $26,162. University Of The Southwest alumni report median earnings of $45,389 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of The Southwest profile
Boston College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
University Of Northern Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Northern Colorado is a public school based in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Students borrow a median of $23,974 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,231. Set against $23,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
Kent State University At Kent ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $19,738. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
American University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Get the full American University report
Auburn University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #41 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,351. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $26,516. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. Set against $26,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full University Of Michigan Dearborn report
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #43 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,472. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Pepperdine University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,918. Graduates carry a median of $23,645 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,645 median debt. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Pepperdine University report
University Of Kentucky landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. 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
Harvard University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Harvard University
University Of Rochester placed #49 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,080. University Of Rochester Educational Assessment students take on a median of $21,517 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,042. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Rochester
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,053 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report
University Of Miami landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit school based in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $62,616. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $17,750. Median earnings reach $75,328 ten years out. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 19% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Miami
University Of Southern California ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 10%. More on University Of Southern California
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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