2026 Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2376 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 reviewed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on La Salle University
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #2 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,995 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,802 ten years after entry. Set against $25,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Valley City State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Valley City State University
Mayville State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Get the full Mayville State University report
A rank of #5 makes Hood College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $17,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hood College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #6 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,285 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $26,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Wisconsin Lutheran College placed #7 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. 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. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile
Western Governors University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. The median Education program debt is $25,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,146 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Education program debt is $26,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,971 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Students borrow a median of $28,025 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $28,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Minot State University profile
Viterbo University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. The median Education program debt is $29,107. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,660 ten years after entry. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
Bemidji State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Students borrow a median of $23,911 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Bemidji State University
Mcdaniel College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Typical Education student debt is $16,452. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. Set against $16,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Students borrow a median of $25,185 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wayne State College
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Concordia University Seward landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. The median Education program debt is $24,068. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. Set against $24,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Doane College Crete landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Education students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Concordia University Chicago ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Education students take on a median of $26,552 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Bethel University Minnesota placed #21 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $22,698 in student loans. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,698 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Hamline University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. The median Education program debt is $25,000. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hamline University report
Piedmont College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Students borrow a median of $30,026 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Piedmont College
Fitchburg State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Goucher College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Typical Education student debt is $25,406. Goucher College alumni report median earnings of $53,023 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Goucher College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Typical Education student debt is $26,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. 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. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus Education students take on a median of $19,157 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. That is a strong return on a $19,157 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,994 to complete their Education program here. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. Set against $26,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $29,421. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Southwest Baptist University placed #31 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $25,223 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. Set against $25,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Illinois State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Education students take on a median of $23,372 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $23,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,367 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $25,367 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Northwest Nazarene University placed #34 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. The median Education program debt is $26,250. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Nazarene University report
Southwest Minnesota State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. The median Education program debt is $29,055. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
The College Of New Jersey came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Typical Education student debt is $25,793. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $25,793 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Winona State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical Education student debt is $26,772. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $26,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
City University Of Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. The median Education program debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. More on City University Of Seattle
Messiah College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. The median Education program debt is $26,997. 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 has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Messiah College
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
York College Pennsylvania placed #41 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
University Of St Francis ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,642 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,926 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on University Of St Francis
Mckendree University placed #43 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. 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. Mckendree University Education students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Typical Education student debt is $28,321. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Carson Newman College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. Students borrow a median of $24,281 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. Set against $24,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carson Newman College has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Carson Newman College
University Of Maryland University College placed #46 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. University Of Maryland University College Education students take on a median of $23,276 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,276 median debt. Get the full University Of Maryland University College report
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Whitworth University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Whitworth University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,485 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,485 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,204 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $27,242. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,501 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Marian University Wisconsin
Youngstown State University placed #50 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Education students take on a median of $27,417 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $27,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Related Education Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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