2026 Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 932 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #2 this year. 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. University Of The Cumberlands Educational Administration students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
Concordia University Irvine came in at #3 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. The median Educational Administration program debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at William Woods University earned it the #5 place in the United States. 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 Educational Administration program debt is $25,512. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on William Woods University
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Wilmington University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wilmington University report
Doane College Crete ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit school based in Crete, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. More on Doane College Crete
Ashland University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Ashland University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,536 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Ferris State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,447. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Drake University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drake University
Evangel University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,548. Evangel University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,876 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,573. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Evangel University
National Louis University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. National Louis University Educational Administration students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on National Louis University
The Sage Colleges offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $38,164. Students borrow a median of $26,702 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $58,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,702 median debt. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. Get the full The Sage Colleges report
University Of St Francis came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. University Of St Francis Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,926 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Northern Illinois University placed #20 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Illinois State University landed the #22 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. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Gwynedd Mercy College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gwynedd Valley, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,838. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $29,764. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,145. Set against $29,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gwynedd Mercy College report
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nampa, ID. Students from in state pay about $40,824 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,562. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on Northwest Nazarene University
City University Of Seattle ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,460 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Read more about City University Of Seattle
Youngstown State University placed #27 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Holy Family University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Holy Family University
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Carson Newman College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit school based in Jefferson City, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Carson Newman College alumni report median earnings of $48,382 a decade after entry. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Carson Newman College report
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,188. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Gonzaga University
Centenary College placed #33 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,732 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,081. Median earnings reach $53,726 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Centenary College profile
Western Illinois University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Aurora University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,507. Median earnings reach $58,709 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Aurora University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Aurora University
Freed Hardeman University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, TN. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Freed Hardeman University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
University Of Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,909. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Mary report
Harding University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harding University profile
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Union University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jackson, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,398. Students borrow a median of $28,605 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,990. That is a strong return on a $28,605 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on Union University
University Of Delaware came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Missouri Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,337. Missouri Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $46,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. Missouri Baptist University admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Missouri Baptist University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Grand Canyon University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
University Of South Dakota ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $29,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Piedmont College report
Bellarmine University placed #46 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,770. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,766. Median earnings reach $62,069 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bellarmine University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Bellarmine University
Wingate University placed #46 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wingate, NC. Students from in state pay about $42,576 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,556 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,649. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. Wingate University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Wingate University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Azusa Pacific University Educational Administration students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Azusa Pacific University
Salisbury University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Salisbury University is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Salisbury University Educational Administration students take on a median of $23,545 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Salisbury University
Saint Thomas University placed #51 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Miami Gardens, FL, Saint Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,955 in student loans. Saint Thomas University alumni report median earnings of $54,272 a decade after entry. Set against $24,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Thomas University admits about 98% of applicants. More on Saint Thomas University
Loyola Marymount University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Administration Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 932 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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