2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 494 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Jamestown College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $27,000. Jamestown College alumni report median earnings of $56,621 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jamestown College report
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Fitchburg State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. 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. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Western Governors University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Governors University report
Ashland University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ashland University report
Doane College Crete ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. Doane College Crete Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College placed #11 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,247. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wisconsin Lutheran College
Viterbo University placed #13 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Viterbo University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Viterbo University
Buena Vista University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,798 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on Buena Vista University
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,171 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wayne State College profile
Concordia University Seward placed #16 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Concordia University Seward
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Hood College placed #18 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,703. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hood College report
Worcester State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Worcester State University
Mckendree University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lebanon, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Piedmont College placed #21 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Piedmont College
Drake University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Drake University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $22,273 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Drake University
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Berry College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Berry, GA, Berry College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,486 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,797 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,800 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Berry College profile
Dordt College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,050. Dordt College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,812 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,559 ten years out. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dordt College profile
Peru State College placed #27 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,433. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,254. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,071. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. More on Peru State College
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. Graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Alverno College has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Alverno College report
Northern State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Northern State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,143 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern State University
Midwestern State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Midwestern State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Midwestern State University
William Woods University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,512. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,401 ten years after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full William Woods University report
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #34 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Mount Marty College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount Marty College report
University Of St Francis came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,695. University Of St Francis alumni report median earnings of $63,926 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. More on University Of St Francis
Warner University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lake Wales, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $29,992. Graduates carry a median of $25,802 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,086 ten years after entry. Set against $25,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Warner University has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on Warner University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,742. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,797. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Northern Illinois University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Fresno Pacific University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,596. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Fresno Pacific University profile
Youngstown State University placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
City University Of Seattle placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. City University Of Seattle alumni report median earnings of $69,460 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle
Illinois State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Chadron State College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,912 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. More on Chadron State College
Carroll University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. Graduates carry a median of $26,904 in student loans. Carroll University alumni report median earnings of $58,009 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Carroll University profile
Missouri Southern State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $22,241. Missouri Southern State University alumni report median earnings of $42,620 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,241 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri Southern State University
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Waxahachie, TX, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,064. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,248. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University alumni report median earnings of $46,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Evangel University placed #51 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,548. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,876. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,876 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Evangel University report
Georgetown College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Georgetown, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,938 in student loans. Georgetown College alumni report median earnings of $52,074 a decade after entry. Set against $26,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgetown College
North Central College placed #53 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,726. Graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,123 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Central College has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full North Central College report
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Wisconsin Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full National Louis University report
Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 494 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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