2026 Best Value Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2376 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Education school in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full La Salle University report
Martin Luther College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Set in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. Martin Luther College Education students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. 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. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Martin Luther College
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #4 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Typical Education student debt is $25,995. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Set against $25,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern College Iowa
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #5 on this year's best-value Education ranking 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. The median Education program debt is $22,782. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,782 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Concordia University Irvine came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Education students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Universidad Del Este landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Typical Education student debt is $30,024. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. Set against $30,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Universidad Del Este
Stevenson University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Owings Mills, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $40,560. Typical Education student debt is $26,887. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,079 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Stevenson University
Worcester State University placed #9 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. 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. That is a strong return on a $22,971 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $9,627 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Morningside College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,880 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Western Governors University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. The median Education program debt is $25,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Governors University report
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. University Of Sioux Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,521 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Valley City State University placed #14 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set 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. Typical Education student debt is $24,586. Median earnings reach $52,725 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Valley City State University
Fitchburg State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. The median Education program debt is $21,813. 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. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,664. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Ashland University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Ashland University
Charleston Southern University came in at #18 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. Typical Education student debt is $27,284. Charleston Southern University alumni report median earnings of $45,898 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,284 median debt. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Charleston Southern University
Doane College Crete landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Doane College Crete
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. The median Education program debt is $17,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Hood College profile
Gordon College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,975 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,975 median debt. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Gordon College profile
Viterbo University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,250. Typical Education student debt is $29,107. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Viterbo University
Concordia University Seward ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Typical Education student debt is $24,068. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Southwest Baptist University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,223 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $25,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Wayne State College placed #25 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $25,185 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $25,185 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne State College
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $26,204 to complete their Education program here. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,204 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Scranton ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. University Of Scranton Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Scranton
Providence College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,550. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,054. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Providence College
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Students borrow a median of $30,561 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. Set against $30,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Buena Vista University
Mcdaniel College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $16,452. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. Set against $16,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Ferris State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Education student debt is $29,246. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $29,246 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Drake University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Drake University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Get the full Drake University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #33 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. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. 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
William Woods University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on William Woods University
Goucher College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,350. Goucher College Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Goucher College
Heritage University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,928. Graduates carry a median of $20,049 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Heritage University report
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,285 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $26,285 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Midwestern State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Dordt College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,559. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Dordt College
Minot State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Education student debt is $28,025. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,025 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on Minot State University
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Typical Education student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,998 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Concordia University Chicago landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $26,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Typical Education student debt is $29,055. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Set against $29,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Berry College placed #44 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Berry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Berry, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,486. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,800. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Berry College profile
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,511 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,511 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Wilson College placed #46 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,100. Graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,326. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wilson College admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Wilson College profile
Hamline University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Hamline University profile
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Bemidji State University Education students take on a median of $23,911 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bemidji State University
Bethel College Mishawaka ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mishawaka, IN. Students from in state pay about $34,600 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 $48,860. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bethel College Mishawaka has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Bethel College Mishawaka
Whitworth University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Whitworth University
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Related Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Graduate Certificate 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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