2026 Best Value Education Schools
Looking for the best-value Education programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2376 schools 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 help you make your decision, 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 Education Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Education school in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Martin Luther College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,120. The median Education program debt is $21,500. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Martin Luther College admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Martin Luther College
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwestern College Iowa landed the #4 spot. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $25,995. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
A rank of #5 makes University Of The Cumberlands one of the best values in the United States. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Education students take on a median of $22,782 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. Set against $22,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Typical Education student debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Irvine
Universidad Del Este came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Students borrow a median of $30,024 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Este
Stevenson University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owings Mills, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,560. Stevenson University Education students take on a median of $26,887 in debt. Stevenson University alumni report median earnings of $62,079 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stevenson University
Valley City State University placed #9 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Valley City State University Education students take on a median of $24,586 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Valley City State University report
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Typical Education student debt is $27,880. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Set against $27,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Morningside College
Brigham Young University Provo placed #11 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $9,627. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,627 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Mayville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Worcester State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,971 to complete their Education program here. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Set against $22,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,146 to complete their Education program here. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $25,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
Hood College placed #15 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. The median Education program debt is $17,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Hood College profile
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,521. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full University Of Sioux Falls report
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,664 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Education student debt is $26,285. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $26,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Fitchburg State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Ashland University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Ashland University
Charleston Southern University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. The median Education program debt is $27,284. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Charleston Southern University report
Doane College Crete placed #22 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Viterbo University placed #23 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Viterbo University
Mcdaniel College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $16,452 in student loans. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Northwest Missouri State University Education students take on a median of $26,204 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $26,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Wayne State College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Students borrow a median of $25,185 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Set against $25,185 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Gordon College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Gordon College Education students take on a median of $26,975 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Set against $26,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Southwest Baptist University placed #28 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. The median Education program debt is $25,223. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,223 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
Concordia University Seward ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. Concordia University Seward Education students take on a median of $24,068 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $24,068 median debt. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
William Woods University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,340. William Woods University Education students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,401 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on William Woods University
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Students borrow a median of $29,246 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $29,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of Scranton ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $74,652 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Providence College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,550. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Providence College alumni report median earnings of $87,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. More on Providence College
Buena Vista University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Students borrow a median of $30,561 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,561 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Buena Vista University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. More on Drake University
Goucher College placed #37 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Goucher College Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,023 ten years after entry. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Goucher College
Concordia University Chicago ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. The median Education program debt is $26,552. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Set against $26,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Heritage University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $20,928. Graduates carry a median of $20,049 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Heritage University
York College Pennsylvania came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Wilmington University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical Education student debt is $24,511. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wilmington University
Minot State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Typical Education student debt is $28,025. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. That is a strong return on a $28,025 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minot State University profile
Midwestern State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
Dordt College placed #44 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Dordt College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Center, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Education program here. Dordt College alumni report median earnings of $52,559 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Dordt College
Point Loma Nazarene University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Point Loma Nazarene University profile
Hamline University placed #46 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Hamline University Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University
Berry College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Berry, GA, Berry College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,486. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Berry College admits about 64% of applicants. More on Berry College
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Education students take on a median of $29,055 in debt. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,055 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Education students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $30,026 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. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Piedmont College
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Students borrow a median of $23,911 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,911 median debt. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Best Value Education Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 2376 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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