2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 494 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, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Concordia University Chicago this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
A rank of #2 makes Mckendree University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Mckendree University
You'll get strong value at Piedmont College, which ranked #3 this year. Located 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. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Piedmont College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Illinois State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. 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. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University
Aurora University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,507 in student loans. Aurora University alumni report median earnings of $58,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Aurora University
National Louis University placed #7 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about National Louis University
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Lindenwood University report
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #9 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The University Of Texas Pan American Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $14,694 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Liberty University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boiling Springs, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $34,750. Gardner Webb University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,039. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Gardner Webb University
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $35,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wyoming placed #14 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $20,283. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Valdosta State University placed #15 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $28,661. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Valdosta State University report
University Of Memphis ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. More on Loyola University Chicago
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of North Texas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,817. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
Mercer University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,565. Graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mercer University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,829. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,513. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Utah State University placed #25 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Utah State University report
Indiana State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Indiana State University
Cuny Hunter College placed #28 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Cuny Hunter College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $11,091 in debt. Cuny Hunter College alumni report median earnings of $63,163 a decade after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. More on Cuny Hunter College
University Of New Orleans placed #29 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. Students from in state pay about $9,172 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,048 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,872 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Orleans has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. More on University Of Florida
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Graduates carry a median of $21,100 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
University Of Louisiana Monroe ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. University Of Louisiana Monroe is a public school based in Monroe, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,190, with out-of-state students paying around $21,290. Students borrow a median of $22,465 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. University Of Louisiana Monroe alumni report median earnings of $46,769 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full University Of Louisiana Monroe profile
St Johns University New York came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,529. St Johns University New York Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,571 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,521 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about St Johns University New York
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #34 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #35 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $35,323. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $18,627. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Kansas State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Kansas State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tennessee Technological University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,181 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Louis University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,977. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Arizona State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,842. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Lincoln Memorial University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrogate, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $26,938. Students borrow a median of $20,693 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,956 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,693 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lincoln Memorial University report
Related Curriculum Instruction Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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).