2026 Best Value General Education Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 903 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed 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 General Education Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. Students borrow a median of $25,462 to complete their General Education program here. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about La Salle University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Martin Luther College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,120. The median General Education program debt is $20,224. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. Set against $20,224 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Martin Luther College
A rank of #4 makes Worcester State University one of the best values in the United States. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University General Education students take on a median of $24,451 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Morningside College earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Morningside College report
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Whitworth University General Education students take on a median of $26,051 in debt. Whitworth University alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Whitworth University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #7 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Southwest Baptist University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Northwestern College Minnesota placed #9 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,920. Typical General Education student debt is $23,505. Northwestern College Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $50,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,505 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwestern College Minnesota
Goucher College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Goucher College
York College Pennsylvania came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Minot State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Minot State University General Education students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Minot State University
Delta State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Delta State University
Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Typical General Education student debt is $27,016. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Graduates carry a median of $22,542 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Grand View University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,762. Typical General Education student debt is $26,941. Grand View University alumni report median earnings of $52,824 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,941 median debt. Grand View University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Grand View University
Wilson College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Typical General Education student debt is $34,814. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wilson College admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Wilson College
Hamline University placed #18 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Hamline University General Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Hamline University
Calvin College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $39,350 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $22,707. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,375 ten years after entry. Set against $22,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Calvin College admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Calvin College profile
Bemidji State University placed #20 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their General Education program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. The median General Education program debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit school based in New Wilmington, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,290. Typical General Education student debt is $26,528. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Westminster College Pa
Winona State University placed #24 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
Spring Arbor University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spring Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Typical General Education student debt is $28,268. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full Spring Arbor University report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato General Education students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Union College Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,946 in tuition and fees. Union College Kentucky General Education students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,002 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read more about Union College Kentucky
Valparaiso University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Graduates carry a median of $26,724 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,191. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Valparaiso University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Typical General Education student debt is $25,033. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Walden University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
Heritage University placed #31 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,928. Students borrow a median of $19,148 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,416. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. More on Heritage University
Wilmington University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical General Education student debt is $26,689. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilmington University profile
Muskingum University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Concord, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Typical General Education student debt is $26,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,440. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Muskingum University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Muskingum University
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $25,639. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Mississippi University For Women came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,492. Students borrow a median of $24,509 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mississippi University For Women
Gonzaga University placed #36 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Typical General Education student debt is $25,188. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
Cumberland University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,840. Students borrow a median of $21,902 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $57,687 ten years out. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cumberland University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Cumberland University
Corban University placed #38 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Salem, OR, Corban University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,963. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their General Education program here. Corban University alumni report median earnings of $48,917 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Corban University profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $19,277 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. Set against $19,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus profile
Holy Family University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Typical General Education student debt is $26,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Holy Family University report
University Of Saint Mary placed #41 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,380. University Of Saint Mary General Education students take on a median of $27,810 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,483. That is a strong return on a $27,810 median debt. University Of Saint Mary admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Saint Mary
California Baptist University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. The median General Education program debt is $28,169. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on California Baptist University
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. The median General Education program debt is $27,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Grand Canyon University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Piedmont College placed #45 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Piedmont College profile
Harding University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Harding University General Education students take on a median of $40,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Set against $40,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Harding University
Mckendree University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. Mckendree University General Education students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mckendree University report
Montclair State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median General Education program debt is $25,286. 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. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Montclair State University
Clayton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Morrow, GA, Clayton State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,532. Clayton State University General Education students take on a median of $35,088 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,179 ten years out. Set against $35,088 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Clayton State University report
Concordia University Texas landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $32,778. Graduates carry a median of $28,613 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,883 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Texas has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Concordia University Texas
California State University Sacramento landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical General Education student debt is $17,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Best Value General Education Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 903 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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