2026 Best Value Taxation Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Taxation master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 131 colleges 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 help you make your decision, 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 Taxation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Northern Illinois University, our #1 best-value Taxation school in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Out of the 131 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Villanova University landed the #2 spot. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on Villanova University
A rank of #3 makes Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham one of the best values in the United States. Located in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,468. Graduates carry a median of $24,701 in student loans. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
A rank of #4 makes Capital University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. Students borrow a median of $28,269 to complete their Taxation program here. Median earnings reach $54,143 ten years out. Set against $28,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Capital University profile
A rank of #5 makes Gonzaga University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Typical Taxation student debt is $25,188. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,343. Typical Taxation student debt is $33,968. Median earnings reach $87,434 ten years out. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Depaul University Taxation students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Depaul University
Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,629. Typical Taxation student debt is $16,728. Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration alumni report median earnings of $72,081 a decade after entry. Set against $16,728 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration report
San Jose State University placed #9 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Taxation program debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #11 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Taxation student debt is $19,273. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Temple University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Taxation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Temple University
Northeastern University placed #13 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Typical Taxation student debt is $25,611. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of San Diego came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,522 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of San Diego report
California State University East Bay came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical Taxation student debt is $18,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about California State University East Bay
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Colorado Denver landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. The median Taxation program debt is $26,582. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Taxation student debt is $15,525. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fullerton report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in University, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Thomas Jefferson University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Thomas Jefferson University Taxation students take on a median of $32,256 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,449 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Thomas Jefferson University
University Of North Texas landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Le Moyne College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Syracuse, NY, Le Moyne College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,330 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,739 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,731. That is a strong return on a $25,739 median debt. Le Moyne College admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Le Moyne College
Goldey Beacom College placed #23 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Located in Wilmington, DE, Goldey Beacom College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,940 in tuition and fees. Typical Taxation student debt is $20,743. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Goldey Beacom College report
Southern Methodist University placed #24 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University
University Of New Haven placed #24 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Based in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $26,244 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of New Haven report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Taxation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical Taxation student debt is $16,202. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,202 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Northridge
University Of Baltimore came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Baltimore is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,984. The median Taxation program debt is $29,681. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,335 ten years after entry. Set against $29,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Baltimore report
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,055 in student loans. Northeastern University Global Network alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
Yeshiva University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Yeshiva University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,800 in tuition and fees. Yeshiva University Taxation students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,353. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yeshiva University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about Yeshiva University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Mississippi State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. The median Taxation program debt is $23,969. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,513. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Taxation students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Florida Atlantic University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
Cuny Bernard M Baruch College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,464, while out-of-state students pay about $15,414. The median Taxation program debt is $11,691. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,971. That is a strong return on a $11,691 median debt. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cuny Bernard M Baruch College report
Portland State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete their Taxation program here. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. Portland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Portland State University profile
Baylor University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Typical Taxation student debt is $23,928. Baylor University alumni report median earnings of $65,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 51%. More on Baylor University
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Taxation program debt is $21,632. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
Robert Morris University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Located in Moon Township, PA, Robert Morris University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,770 in tuition and fees. Typical Taxation student debt is $26,748. Robert Morris University alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Robert Morris University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Robert Morris University report
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical Taxation student debt is $24,496. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
Fordham University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Fordham University Taxation students take on a median of $25,643 in debt. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on Fordham University
University Of New Orleans came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. Students borrow a median of $23,048 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
American University placed #44 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American University admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on American University
Weber State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ogden, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Weber State University profile
Arizona State University placed #46 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Suny At Albany placed #47 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albany, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Suny At Albany alumni report median earnings of $67,979 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Suny At Albany has an acceptance rate of 69%. See the full Suny At Albany profile
Bentley University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Bentley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. Students from in state pay about $61,000 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,476 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $120,959 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,476 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bentley University profile
Eastern Michigan University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Georgia State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,091 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Georgia State University
Related Taxation Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Taxation Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Taxation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 131 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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