2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 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 reviewed 749 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 Graduate Degrees Doctoral 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Cabrini College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cabrini College
A rank of #3 makes Aspen University one of the best values in the United States. Aspen University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,870. Students borrow a median of $36,946 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Read the full report on Aspen University
You'll get strong value at University Of Management And Technology, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Arlington, VA, University Of Management And Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,450. University Of Management And Technology alumni report median earnings of $68,530 a decade after entry. More on University Of Management And Technology
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia Southern University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbia Southern University
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. Students borrow a median of $5,673 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $35,723 ten years out. Set against $5,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
Jamestown College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,990. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Jamestown College alumni report median earnings of $56,621 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jamestown College has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Jamestown College profile
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. University Of The Cumberlands Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Concordia University Irvine placed #9 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Concordia University Irvine Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,085 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,083 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
The Masters College And Seminary ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clarita, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,020. Students borrow a median of $22,089 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $57,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on The Masters College And Seminary
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,630 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Morningside College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,281. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Morningside College
Mount Marty College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. 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. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. More on Mount Marty College
Touro University Worldwide came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,640. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $32,289. Touro University Worldwide alumni report median earnings of $40,803 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Touro University Worldwide
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,742 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
William Woods University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on William Woods University
Southwest Baptist University placed #17 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Ferris State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based 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 $23,562 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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. See the full Ferris State University profile
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Wilmington University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Doane College Crete placed #21 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Read more about Doane College Crete
Concordia University Chicago placed #21 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Grace College And Theological Seminary placed #23 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,645 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $21,211. Grace College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Grace College And Theological Seminary
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Point Loma Nazarene University profile
University Of Scranton ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Scranton has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Mckendree University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Mckendree University alumni report median earnings of $58,572 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. 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. Ashland University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $24,536 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ashland University report
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Piedmont College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Piedmont College report
Delta State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,432. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delta State University
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,110. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of St Francis
Hamline University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Hamline University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Hamline University profile
Lynchburg College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,750. Median earnings reach $56,380 ten years out. Lynchburg College has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full Lynchburg College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Youngstown State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Columbus State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Columbus State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,493 in debt. Columbus State University alumni report median earnings of $44,544 a decade after entry. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Columbus State University
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Biola University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,308. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Biola University
York College Pennsylvania landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
University Of Mary came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. University Of Mary Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,983 in debt. University Of Mary alumni report median earnings of $60,909 a decade after entry. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Mary
Indiana Institute Of Technology came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Wayne, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,361. Students borrow a median of $36,380 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,327. That is a strong return on a $36,380 median debt. Indiana Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Indiana Institute Of Technology
Bellevue University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bellevue University
University Of Maryland University College placed #48 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,276. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Maryland University College
Wheeling Jesuit University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,875. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,949. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wheeling Jesuit University profile
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Illinois State University
Related Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 749 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.