2026 Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 schools 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 help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 General Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General Education master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University
Martin Luther College came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Education ranking 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. Martin Luther College General Education students take on a median of $20,224 in debt. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Martin Luther College admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Martin Luther College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Worcester State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Worcester State University report
Morningside College came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Morningside College General Education students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. 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. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Morningside College
Whitworth University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. The median General Education program debt is $26,051. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Whitworth University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Education students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Southwest Baptist University placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. Southwest Baptist University General Education students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Northwestern College Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,920. Graduates carry a median of $23,505 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Northwestern College Minnesota profile
Goucher College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Goucher College General Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Goucher College report
York College Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. York College Pennsylvania General Education students take on a median of $26,537 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
Minot State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical General Education student debt is $25,788. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Minot State University report
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set 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. Point Loma Nazarene University General Education students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,998 ten years out. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Grand View University placed #15 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Grand View University General Education students take on a median of $26,941 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,824. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Grand View University report
Hamline University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Hamline University
Wilson College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Wilson College General Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wilson College has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Wilson College
Calvin College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Graduates carry a median of $22,707 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,375 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,707 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Calvin College profile
Bemidji State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. The median General Education program debt is $25,819. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #20 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Typical General Education student debt is $27,081. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Westminster College Pa came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. The median General Education program debt is $26,528. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,861. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Typical General Education student debt is $28,268. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #23 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Valparaiso University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Valparaiso University General Education students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #25 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 run about $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies General Education students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Winona State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Heritage University placed #27 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. Heritage University General Education students take on a median of $19,148 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,416. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. Get the full Heritage University report
Wilmington University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,689 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Muskingum University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Muskingum University General Education students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,440 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Muskingum University
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Mississippi University For Women ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. The median General Education program debt is $24,509. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Gonzaga University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Gonzaga University
Cumberland University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,902 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,687 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cumberland University
Corban University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Salem, OR, Corban University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,963. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,917. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Corban University
Walden University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read more about Walden University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Set against $19,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Holy Family University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. The median General Education program debt is $26,562. Holy Family University alumni report median earnings of $62,235 a decade after entry. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Holy Family University profile
University Of Saint Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,380. Students borrow a median of $27,810 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,483. Set against $27,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Saint Mary admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Saint Mary profile
California Baptist University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical General Education student debt is $28,169. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Baptist University
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Typical General Education student debt is $27,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Grand Canyon University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Piedmont College placed #42 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Piedmont College report
Harding University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $40,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $40,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Harding University report
Mckendree University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lebanon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mckendree University
Montclair State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,286. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Concordia University Texas ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Austin, TX, Concordia University Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,778. Typical General Education student debt is $28,613. 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%. See the full Concordia University Texas profile
Clayton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Morrow, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Clayton State University General Education students take on a median of $35,088 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,179. That is a strong return on a $35,088 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clayton State University report
Saint Michaels College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit school based in Colchester, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,450. Students borrow a median of $26,640 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,317. That is a strong return on a $26,640 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Michaels College
California State University Sacramento landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. California State University Sacramento General Education students take on a median of $17,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
Baker University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Baker University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baldwin City, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $35,200. Graduates carry a median of $29,554 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,855. That is a strong return on a $29,554 median debt. Baker University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Baker University
Converse College placed #51 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spartanburg, SC. Students from in state pay about $25,240 in tuition and fees. Converse College General Education students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,867 ten years out. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Converse College admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Converse College
Related General Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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