2026 Best Value Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Finance Financial Management graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 953 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia Southern University this year in the United States. Based 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. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
A rank of #2 makes Park University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Park University
Out of the 953 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #3 spot. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $25,542 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,542 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes University Of St Francis one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,695 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of St Francis
Creighton University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $48,856. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $26,975. Median earnings reach $73,911 ten years out. Set against $26,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Creighton University
Texas Tech University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Seattle University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Seattle University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Seattle University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $19,650 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $19,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Belhaven University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,250 in tuition and fees. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $34,181. Belhaven University alumni report median earnings of $46,440 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Belhaven University profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,880 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Golden Gate University San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,343 in tuition and fees. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $33,968. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,434. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Golden Gate University San Francisco report
George Washington University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. George Washington University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Read more about George Washington University
Kansas State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Fordham University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Graduates carry a median of $26,850 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $85,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Fordham University
East Carolina University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $23,142 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,142 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full East Carolina University report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public school based in Rolla, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Graduates carry a median of $25,187 in student loans. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $36,071. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $36,071 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Dakota Wesleyan University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mitchell, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,790. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Median earnings reach $53,728 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Dakota Wesleyan University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #21 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $25,469 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $25,469 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $23,165. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $23,165 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Iowa
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,937 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,060 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Finance Financial Management Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
San Diego State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Get the full San Diego State University report
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $20,542. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
San Francisco State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,440 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $14,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Francisco State University
Davenport University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Davenport University is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $24,466 in tuition and fees. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $30,567. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,099 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,567 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Davenport University
University Of Chicago placed #30 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. University Of Chicago Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. More on University Of Chicago
Iowa State University placed #31 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $21,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #32 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $19,550. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $19,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Washington State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $19,762 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Washington State University profile
Southern Oregon University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ashland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,762, compared with $31,887 for out-of-state students. Southern Oregon University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $24,951 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,175. Set against $24,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Oregon University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full New York University report
University Of Miami came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $62,616. University Of Miami Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $14,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,328 ten years after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Miami has an acceptance rate of 19%. Read the full report on University Of Miami
College Of Our Lady Of The Elms ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. College Of Our Lady Of The Elms is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicopee, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,325. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $27,854. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,540 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about College Of Our Lady Of The Elms
University Of New Haven placed #39 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. Located in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,126. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. The median Finance Financial Management program debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Oakland University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $23,944 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. That is a strong return on a $23,944 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oakland University
Suny Empire State College placed #42 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saratoga Springs, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Students borrow a median of $23,693 to complete their Finance Financial Management program here. Suny Empire State College alumni report median earnings of $54,080 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,693 median debt. More on Suny Empire State College
Harvard University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Harvard University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,200. Southern New Hampshire University Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $29,252 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Set against $29,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern New Hampshire University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $26,276. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,276 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
New Jersey Institute Of Technology ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Newark, NJ. Students from in state pay about $19,974 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. New Jersey Institute Of Technology Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $24,755 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,276. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Stony Brook University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $20,537. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. Get the full Stony Brook University report
Cambridge College placed #48 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Cambridge College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,378. Graduates carry a median of $29,776 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,998. Set against $29,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cambridge College report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,574 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell profile
University Of Southern California placed #50 among the best-value Finance Financial Management schools in the United States. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Finance Financial Management students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Eastern Michigan University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Finance Financial Management schools. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical Finance Financial Management student debt is $25,847. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $25,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
Related Finance Financial Management Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Finance Financial Management Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 953 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).