2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools

#1

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA

For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Set 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 $25,462 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University

#2

Cabrini College

Radnor, PA

A rank of #2 makes Cabrini College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $26,889 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Cabrini College alumni report median earnings of $59,038 a decade after entry. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cabrini College

#3

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

Out of the 1069 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia College Chicago landed the #3 spot. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,557 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,557 median debt. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Columbia College Chicago

#4

Northwestern College Iowa

Orange City, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern College Iowa earned it the #4 place in the United States. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,802 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Iowa admits about 80% of applicants. More on Northwestern College Iowa

#5

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

You'll get strong value at Columbia Southern University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia Southern University

#6

Rasmussen College Minnesota

St. Cloud, MN

Rasmussen College Minnesota came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,199. Rasmussen College Minnesota Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,723 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Set against $28,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Minnesota profile

#7

Simpson College

Indianola, IA

Simpson College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,656. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,816. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,274. That is a strong return on a $26,816 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Simpson College report

#8

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

University Of The Cumberlands landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,868. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands

#9

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras

San Juan, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,324. Students borrow a median of $5,673 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $35,723 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras report

#10

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND

Valley City State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,074 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. Set against $25,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Valley City State University

#11

Morningside College

Sioux City, IA

Morningside College placed #11 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Morningside College

#12

Mount Marty College

Yankton, SD

Mount Marty College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount Marty College report

#13

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

Concordia University Irvine came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine

#14

The Masters College And Seminary

Santa Clarita, CA

The Masters College And Seminary came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,020. Graduates carry a median of $22,089 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The Masters College And Seminary profile

#15

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo placed #15 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo

#16

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University landed the #16 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. More on Western Governors University

#17

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Ashland University profile

#18

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,916. Median earnings reach $54,664 ten years out. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College

#19

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC

Charleston Southern University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Charleston Southern University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,569 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Charleston Southern University

#20

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

American Public University System placed #20 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located 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 Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Read more about American Public University System

#21

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce

Mercedita, PR

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit school based in Mercedita, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $7,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,721. That is a strong return on a $7,869 median debt. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce has an acceptance rate of 34%. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce

#22

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA

Touro University Worldwide placed #22 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Alamitos, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,640. Students borrow a median of $32,289 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Touro University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $40,803 a decade after entry. Set against $32,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Touro University Worldwide profile

#23

Stephens College

Columbia, MO

Stephens College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $33,326. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. That is a strong return on a $33,326 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Stephens College profile

#24

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $8,630 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

#25

Hood College

Frederick, MD

Hood College placed #25 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Hood College profile

#26

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,572. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,667. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,405. That is a strong return on a $27,667 median debt. Nebraska Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Nebraska Wesleyan University profile

#27

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

Worcester State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile

#28

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report

#29

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report

#30

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report

#31

University Of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD

University Of Sioux Falls ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,750. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,521. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. More on University Of Sioux Falls

#32

Mcdaniel College

Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mcdaniel College

#33

Doane College Crete

Crete, NE

Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit school based in Crete, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Doane College Crete Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Doane College Crete

#34

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

Viterbo University placed #34 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,107. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University

#35

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University placed #35 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Owings Mills, MD. Students from in state pay about $40,560 in tuition and fees. Stevenson University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,042 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,079. That is a strong return on a $27,042 median debt. Stevenson University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Stevenson University

#36

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University placed #36 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University

#37

Gordon College

Wenham, MA

Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,119. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Get the full Gordon College report

#38

Concordia University Seward

Seward, NE

Concordia University Seward came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Seward Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,726 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Concordia University Seward report

#39

William Woods University

Fulton, MO

William Woods University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,340. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,512. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full William Woods University report

#40

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University

#41

Newman University

Wichita, KS

Newman University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,500. Students borrow a median of $24,562 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $55,041 ten years out. Set against $24,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Newman University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Newman University report

#41

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Buena Vista University report

#43

Wayne State College

Wayne, NE

Wayne State College placed #43 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne State College

#44

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Goucher College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Goucher College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Goucher College profile

#44

Colorado State University Global Campus

Denver, CO

Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Colorado State University Global Campus Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $31,361 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,813. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report

#44

Park University

Parkville, MO

Park University placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read the full report on Park University

#44

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. University Of Scranton Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Scranton

#48

Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus

Angola, IN

Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Angola, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,176. Students borrow a median of $24,787 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,165 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus

#49

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spring Arbor, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $28,268. Spring Arbor University alumni report median earnings of $51,732 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Spring Arbor University

#50

Westfield State University

Westfield, MA

Westfield State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Westfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,910 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Westfield State University