2026 Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 903 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 General Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Winona State University this year in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Winona State University report
Delta State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $23,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Delta State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Walden University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Hamline University came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical General Education student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Hamline University
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General Education students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Typical General Education student debt is $23,709. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Delaware ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical General Education student debt is $24,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware
Claremont Graduate University placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $42,160 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Liberty University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of Wyoming ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $20,283. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Northcentral University placed #12 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,594. Northcentral University General Education students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northcentral University
Northeastern University Global Network placed #13 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,055 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
San Diego State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
Seattle Pacific University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,506 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Seattle Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
The University Of Findlay placed #16 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Findlay, OH. Students from in state pay about $41,164 in tuition and fees. The University Of Findlay General Education students take on a median of $25,759 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,996 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Findlay
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Education program here. 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. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Florida Southern College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lakeland, FL, Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,040. Students borrow a median of $25,357 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,294. Set against $25,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Southern College profile
University Of Georgia placed #18 among the best-value General Education 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, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia General Education students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
American International College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,230. The median General Education program debt is $30,390. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,124. Set against $30,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about American International College
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus General Education students take on a median of $15,729 in debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,729 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
University Of California Berkeley landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median General Education program debt is $14,238. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Lesley University placed #23 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Lesley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,256. Graduates carry a median of $24,818 in student loans. Lesley University alumni report median earnings of $51,173 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,818 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lesley University profile
Nova Southeastern University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. Typical General Education student debt is $25,021. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #25 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their General Education program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Arizona State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University General Education students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of California San Diego landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of California Los Angeles placed #28 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $16,097. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Iowa State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their General Education program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Michigan Flint came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Flint, MI, University Of Michigan Flint is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Typical General Education student debt is $31,016. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,230 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,016 median debt. University Of Michigan Flint admits about 70% of applicants. See the full University Of Michigan Flint profile
University Of The Incarnate Word placed #32 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Typical General Education student debt is $28,028. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,733. Set against $28,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about University Of The Incarnate Word
University Of California Riverside ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical General Education student debt is $19,187. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median General Education program debt is $15,117. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Utah State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $16,191. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Utah State University
Temple University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical General Education student debt is $26,259. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Temple University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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 General Education program debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Hofstra University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hempstead, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,660. Hofstra University General Education students take on a median of $24,848 in debt. Hofstra University alumni report median earnings of $69,039 a decade after entry. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Hofstra University
Georgia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $26,091. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Georgia State University
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,120. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. The median General Education program debt is $22,444. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus report
Suny At Binghamton ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $20,691 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $20,691 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
Harvard University placed #45 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. 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. The median General Education program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Central Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Florida
George Washington University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $22,910. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of Idaho came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho General Education students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,670 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Idaho
Stanford University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Stanford University report
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile
Related General Education Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value General Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.