2026 Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree 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 General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Goucher College to be the best-value General Education school in the United States. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Goucher College
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Winona State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Winona State University
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Union College Kentucky landed the #4 spot. Located in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,946. Union College Kentucky General Education students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Union College Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $42,002 a decade after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full Union College Kentucky profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Walden University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student 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. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
University Of North Alabama came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Typical General Education student debt is $24,291. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Alabama
Post University placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Post University is a private for-profit school based in Waterbury, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,922. Typical General Education student debt is $35,364. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $35,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Post University
Messiah College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. Students borrow a median of $26,195 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Messiah College profile
Saint Michaels College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,450. Typical General Education student debt is $26,640. Median earnings reach $61,317 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Michaels College admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Saint Michaels College
California State University Sacramento came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. California State University Sacramento General Education students take on a median of $17,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. More on California State University Sacramento
Liberty University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University General Education students take on a median of $42,160 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $42,160 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
Lindenwood University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical General Education student debt is $28,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Adams, MA, Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,436 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,381. Typical General Education student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,102 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts report
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
Azusa Pacific University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Typical General Education student debt is $23,709. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Azusa Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
Claremont Graduate University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. More on Claremont Graduate University
Frostburg State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Frostburg, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,814. Typical General Education student debt is $25,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Frostburg State University
California State University Fresno ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete their General Education program here. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
Northcentral University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,594. Graduates carry a median of $42,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,414. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. More on Northcentral University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,306 to complete their General Education program here. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,306 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $43,360. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $65,344 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Jackson State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Jackson State University General Education students take on a median of $32,944 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,060. That is a strong return on a $32,944 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Jackson State University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. The median General Education program debt is $26,162. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #26 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California State University Los Angeles came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Los Angeles
Salem State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $27,000. Salem State University alumni report median earnings of $56,662 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Salem State University
Purdue University Northwest ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
University Of California Berkeley landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Georgia landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median General Education program debt is $21,792. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Texas Womans University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their General Education program here. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Womans University
University Of Memphis landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis General Education students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their General Education program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Ball State University placed #35 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,518 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Ball State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median General Education program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Auburn University placed #37 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University General Education students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read more about Auburn University
University Of Portland placed #38 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. The median General Education program debt is $23,169. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,804 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Portland
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Jacksonville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Jacksonville State University is a public school based in Jacksonville, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Students borrow a median of $24,751 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jacksonville State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical General Education student debt is $22,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Nova Southeastern University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Nova Southeastern University General Education students take on a median of $25,021 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Nova Southeastern University
Iowa State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $23,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $23,969. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Hofstra University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Hofstra University
Austin Peay State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $24,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,301. That is a strong return on a $24,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Austin Peay State University
University Of Central Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. University Of Central Florida General Education students take on a median of $21,620 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about University Of Central Florida
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical General Education student debt is $24,958. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,125 a decade after entry. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $30,990 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Montevallo ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Montevallo, AL, University Of Montevallo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,948, compared with $26,968 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,096 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Montevallo report
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington placed #50 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington General Education students take on a median of $23,013 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,967. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington 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 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).
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.