2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated 773 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Graduate Degrees school in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full La Salle University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cabrini College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,889. Median earnings reach $59,038 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrini College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia Southern University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Students borrow a median of $25,447 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. Read more about Columbia Southern University
You'll get strong value at Northwestern College Iowa, which ranked #4 this year. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,710. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $49,802 ten years out. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Out of the 773 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Stephens College landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $28,300 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $33,326 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,071 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stephens College
Valley City State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,074. 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. See the full Valley City State University profile
American Public University System placed #7 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,438. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. More on American Public University System
Mayville State University placed #8 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,464. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Simpson College placed #9 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Simpson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Indianola, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,656. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,816. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,274 ten years after entry. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Simpson College profile
Morningside College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Morningside College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Morningside College profile
Furman University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Greenville, SC, Furman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $59,770. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,764. Median earnings reach $68,635 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Furman University
Hood College placed #12 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Hood College
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Park University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. See the full Park University profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Western Governors University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,277. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Western Governors University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,742. 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. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. Colorado State University Global Campus Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $31,361 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Colorado State University Global Campus
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Worcester State University report
Mount Marty College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Mount Marty College alumni report median earnings of $48,179 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mount Marty College
Cedarville University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,150 in tuition and fees. Cedarville University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $22,110 in debt. Cedarville University alumni report median earnings of $55,443 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cedarville University report
Viterbo University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University
Grantham University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in LIttle Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,520. Grantham University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $30,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $30,600 median debt. More on Grantham University
Bemidji State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Mcdaniel College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $23,247 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,840. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Wayne State College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,974. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne State College
Heritage University placed #29 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $19,148. 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
Crown College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Crown College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Bonifacius, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,410. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,057. That is a strong return on a $29,537 median debt. The acceptance rate is 23%. Read the full report on Crown College
Ferris State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $23,562. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Doane College Crete ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $28,802 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,650 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,124 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,908. That is a strong return on a $17,124 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Hamline University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Concordia University Seward Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,726 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
University Of Scranton landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,652. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Southwestern College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,822. Southwestern College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,874 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,646 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,874 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwestern College
Concordia University Chicago placed #39 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,975. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Piedmont College profile
Goucher College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Goucher College
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #44 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,372. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gordon College admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Gordon College report
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Graduates carry a median of $19,277 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Linfield College Adult Degree Program ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Linfield College Adult Degree Program Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,250 in debt. Read the full report on Linfield College Adult Degree Program
Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,436. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Delta State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Delta State University report
Olivet Nazarene University placed #50 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graduate Degrees Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 773 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).
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