2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2221 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. American Public University System Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $6,195 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
A rank of #2 makes Metropolitan State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $32,145. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Set against $32,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Fort Hays State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,592 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $25,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Fort Hays State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $19,052 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $19,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Western Illinois University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Texas A And M University Central Texas came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. Students from in state pay about $7,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. Texas A And M University Central Texas Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $22,688 in debt. Texas A And M University Central Texas admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University Central Texas
Regis University placed #8 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Regis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $28,140 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $31,773. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,773 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Regis University profile
Tiffin University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,790. Tiffin University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $30,977 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,942. That is a strong return on a $30,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Tiffin University
Adams State College placed #10 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Alamosa, CO, Adams State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,824, compared with $21,944 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,879 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,372. Set against $24,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Adams State College profile
Wayland Baptist University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,782 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,838. That is a strong return on a $24,258 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Wayland Baptist University profile
Henderson State University placed #12 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Get the full Henderson State University report
University Of St Thomas Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $34,634. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of St Thomas Texas
Depaul University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $42,350. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Depaul University
Excelsior College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,536. Excelsior College alumni report median earnings of $78,493 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,536 median debt. See the full Excelsior College profile
Mount St Marys College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,379. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Mount St Marys College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
St Johns College Maryland offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Annapolis, MD. Students from in state pay about $40,684 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $51,584 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on St Johns College Maryland
North Central College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. North Central College is a private not-for-profit school based in Naperville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,726. North Central College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,699 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,123. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Central College
Villanova University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Villanova University
Dominican University Of California offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,161. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,713 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 Dominican University Of California
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #22 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. University Of Illinois At Springfield Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $29,467 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Set against $29,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Springfield
Clayton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Morrow, GA, Clayton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Students borrow a median of $37,588 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,179 ten years after entry. Set against $37,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clayton State University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Clayton State University profile
Arkansas Tech University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,100 in student loans. Arkansas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $41,766 a decade after entry. Set against $24,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
Texas Tech University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $28,713. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $28,713 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northern Kentucky University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,813. Median earnings reach $50,220 ten years out. Set against $25,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
University Of Memphis landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $38,972. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $38,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
University Of Southern Indiana offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,707. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,605. That is a strong return on a $17,707 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Southern Indiana
Stony Brook University placed #29 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Stony Brook University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $20,537 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #30 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $30,676. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Tennessee Technological University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Tennessee Technological University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Wichita State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $24,694. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,694 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #33 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Indiana University South Bend ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in South Bend, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Indiana University South Bend Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,319 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,947. Set against $25,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University South Bend has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Indiana University South Bend report
University Of Delaware ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Indiana University Southeast placed #36 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in New Albany, IN, Indiana University Southeast is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $28,948 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,596 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,948 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Indiana University Southeast
University Of Kansas placed #37 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Drexel University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Drexel University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,154 in debt. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,154 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drexel University
San Francisco State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,467 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $15,467 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about San Francisco State University
Austin Peay State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Clarksville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Austin Peay State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $22,314 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,301 ten years out. Set against $22,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Austin Peay State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $23,011. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,011 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Alcorn State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,785. Graduates carry a median of $39,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,421. Set against $39,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full Alcorn State University report
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,269 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $25,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Northridge
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #45 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock placed #47 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
Tennessee State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $38,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Tennessee State University
San Diego State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,496. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $12,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Diego State University
Saint Marys College Of California placed #50 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,803. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,000. Saint Marys College Of California alumni report median earnings of $78,812 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys College Of California admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Saint Marys College Of California profile
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,723 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Middle Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $48,541 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,723 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Get the full Middle Tennessee State University report
Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 2221 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).