2026 Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools

#2

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,782 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,782 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile

#3

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Education program here. 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. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine

#4

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $9,627. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,627 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

#5

William Woods University

Fulton, MO

Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, William Woods University landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,340. Students borrow a median of $25,512 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on William Woods University

#6

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Typical Education student debt is $26,552. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,552 median debt. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Concordia University Chicago

#7

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Education program here. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#8

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $24,511 to complete their Education program here. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,511 median debt. Get the full Wilmington University report

#9

Mckendree University

Lebanon, IL

Mckendree University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. The median Education program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Mckendree University report

#10

Doane College Crete

Crete, NE

Doane College Crete came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,316 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Doane College Crete profile

#11

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Ashland University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Ashland University

#12

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul placed #12 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. The median Education program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul

#12

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $25,223 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. 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 Southwest Baptist University

#14

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,246 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $29,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile

#15

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #15 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $29,421 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $29,421 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead

#16

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $26,772 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $26,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Winona State University report

#17

Piedmont College

Demorest, GA

Piedmont College placed #17 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $30,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Piedmont College profile

#18

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Drake University

#19

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. The median Education program debt is $22,141. 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. Read more about Delta State University

#20

Evangel University

Springfield, MO

Evangel University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. Evangel University Education students take on a median of $29,796 in debt. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,796 median debt. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Evangel University

#20

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,994 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $26,994 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University

#22

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University came in at #22 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 $47,261 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $47,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report

#23

The Sage Colleges

Troy, NY

The Sage Colleges ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. Read more about The Sage Colleges

#24

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $23,642 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. That is a strong return on a $23,642 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of St Francis report

#25

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,723 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,723 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#26

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Education student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Hamline University profile

#27

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #27 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Education students take on a median of $26,285 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,285 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato

#28

National Louis University

Chicago, IL

National Louis University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Students borrow a median of $42,172 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $42,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University

#29

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Education student debt is $25,367. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,367 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report

#30

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University placed #30 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Education students take on a median of $23,372 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University

#31

Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

Columbus State University placed #31 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. The median Education program debt is $28,391. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,544. That is a strong return on a $28,391 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Columbus State University report

#32

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,485 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#33

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID

Northwest Nazarene University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Education students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read more about Northwest Nazarene University

#34

Gwynedd Mercy College

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,838 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 $67,145. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gwynedd Mercy College profile

#35

City University Of Seattle

Seattle, WA

City University Of Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,929 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle

#36

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $27,417 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Youngstown State University

#38

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Holy Family University

#39

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota placed #39 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Typical Education student debt is $22,698. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $22,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile

#40

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. The median Education program debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report

#41

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,300. Southern Adventist University Education students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,723. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Adventist University

#42

Carson Newman College

Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit school based in Jefferson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $24,281 in student loans. Carson Newman College alumni report median earnings of $48,382 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Carson Newman College

#43

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Biola University Education students take on a median of $26,084 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Biola University report

#44

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University placed #44 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. 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 $27,000 in student loans. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gonzaga University

#45

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University placed #45 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. The median Education program debt is $25,664. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University

#45

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College placed #45 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Centenary College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hackettstown, NJ. Students from in state pay about $37,732 in tuition and fees. Centenary College Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Centenary College has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Centenary College report

#47

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Xavier University

#48

Aurora University

Aurora, IL

Aurora University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Aurora University Education students take on a median of $24,197 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. Set against $24,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Aurora University

#49

Freed Hardeman University

Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Freed Hardeman University alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Freed Hardeman University

#50

Concordia University Texas

Austin, TX

Concordia University Texas placed #50 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, Concordia University Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,778 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $28,613. Median earnings reach $60,883 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Texas profile

#51

University Of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Typical Education student debt is $27,351. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,909. Set against $27,351 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Mary profile

#52

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Set in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Typical Education student debt is $26,787. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. See the full University Of West Georgia profile