2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees master’s 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 1033 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Graduate Degrees master's degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. La Salle University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. 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. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. 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. This private not-for-profit school is set in Radnor, PA. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,889. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,038 ten years after entry. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cabrini College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia College Chicago earned it the #3 place in the United States. Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Students borrow a median of $26,557 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,195 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,557 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
A rank of #4 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,447. 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 Rasmussen College Minnesota, which ranked #5 this year. This private for-profit school is set in St. Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,199. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,723. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Set against $28,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rasmussen College Minnesota
University Of The Cumberlands ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public school based in San Juan, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $5,673. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,723. Set against $5,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Morningside College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $27,281 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Morningside College report
Concordia University Irvine came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The Masters College And Seminary came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,020. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,089. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,106. Set against $22,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Masters College And Seminary
Mount Marty College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Yankton, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about Mount Marty College
Ashland University placed #13 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,536. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Ashland University report
Western Governors University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Western Governors University
Charleston Southern University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,520 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,569 in student loans. Charleston Southern University alumni report median earnings of $45,898 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,569 median debt. Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Charleston Southern University profile
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wisconsin Lutheran College admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $7,869. Median earnings reach $26,721 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Touro University Worldwide came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Alamitos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,640. Graduates carry a median of $32,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,803 ten years after entry. Set against $32,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Touro University Worldwide
Stephens College placed #19 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Graduates carry a median of $33,326 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Stephens College
Nebraska Wesleyan University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,572. Nebraska Wesleyan University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $27,667 in debt. 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 admits about 80% of applicants. More on Nebraska Wesleyan University
American Public University System placed #21 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools 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. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $23,438. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,630 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $8,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,521 ten years after entry. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Sioux Falls has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full University Of Sioux Falls profile
Hood College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Hood College
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,451. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Worcester State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Doane College Crete landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Doane College Crete
Gordon College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,372. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gordon College
Stevenson University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,560. Students borrow a median of $27,042 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $62,079 ten years out. Set against $27,042 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stevenson University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Stevenson University report
Concordia University Seward came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Seward report
Southwest Baptist University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set 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. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #32 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,260. 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%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Mcdaniel College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Fitchburg State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $25,840. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Newman University placed #35 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Set in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,500. Graduates carry a median of $24,562 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,041. Set against $24,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Newman University admits about 74% of applicants. More on Newman University
Buena Vista University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $29,317. Buena Vista University alumni report median earnings of $49,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Buena Vista University
Drake University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full Drake University report
Goucher College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,350 in tuition and fees. Goucher College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Goucher College profile
Wayne State College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Typical Graduate Degrees student 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
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Angola, IN, Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,176. Graduates carry a median of $24,787 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,787 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
University Of Scranton placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $26,500. Median earnings reach $74,652 ten years out. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on University Of Scranton
Spring Arbor University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Viterbo University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Viterbo University
William Woods University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,340. William Woods University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about William Woods University
Westfield State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Westfield State University is a public school based in Westfield, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Westfield State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,910 in debt. Westfield State University alumni report median earnings of $57,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Westfield State University
Ferris State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report
Colorado State University Global Campus placed #47 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in the United States. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Graduates carry a median of $31,361 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Universidad Del Turabo offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Students borrow a median of $14,155 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $26,223 ten years out. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Universidad Del Turabo profile
Milligan College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milligan, TN. Students from in state pay about $40,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,150 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Median earnings reach $46,641 ten years out. Set against $26,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Milligan College admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Milligan College report
Wilson College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Wilson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,100. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $34,814. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wilson College
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 1033 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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