2026 Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 932 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to 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 Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Northwestern College Iowa this year in the United States. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Northwestern College Iowa Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern College Iowa
A rank of #2 makes Hood College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Students borrow a median of $17,125 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. Set against $17,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Hood College report
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. 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. Wisconsin Lutheran College Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Educational Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
You'll get strong value at Western Governors University, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #6 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Wayne State College placed #7 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt. See the full Wayne State College profile
Mcdaniel College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $16,318. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Mcdaniel College
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. 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. The median Educational Administration program debt is $28,802. 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. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Concordia University Chicago landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Viterbo University placed #12 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Viterbo University
Fitchburg State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Gordon College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,700 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,372. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gordon College
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,447. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Youngstown State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. The median Educational Administration 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%. More on Youngstown State University
Southwest Baptist University placed #17 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set 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. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,436. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Winona State University placed #18 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Winona State University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,260. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Northwest Nazarene University placed #21 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,562 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,719. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on Northwest Nazarene University
Hamline University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Hamline University profile
York College Pennsylvania landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Henderson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,234. Median earnings reach $43,459 ten years out. Set against $23,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Henderson State University
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #25 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Southwest Minnesota State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,016 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
City University Of Seattle came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on City University Of Seattle
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Arizona State University Skysong placed #28 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,742. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,700. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Carson Newman College report
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. 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. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,172. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Illinois State University placed #31 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. The median Educational Administration program debt is $27,242. Median earnings reach $53,501 ten years out. Set against $27,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marian University Wisconsin admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Marian University Wisconsin report
National Louis University placed #33 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on National Louis University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Whitworth University placed #35 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Whitworth University
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Graduates carry a median of $27,307 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,307 median debt. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Baldwin Wallace College
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Colorado State University Global Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $16,955. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. Set against $16,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Colorado State University Global Campus
Fort Hays State University placed #40 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,967. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Alverno College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Alverno College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $34,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Alverno College report
Mckendree University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Mckendree University
The College Of New Jersey came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,997 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. Set against $24,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Saint Martins University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. Students from in state pay about $45,510 in tuition and fees. Saint Martins University Educational Administration students take on a median of $22,818 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,092 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Saint Martins University profile
Northern Illinois University placed #45 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Union University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,398. Students borrow a median of $28,605 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $53,990 ten years out. Set against $28,605 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Union University admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Union University
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Freed Hardeman University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Henderson, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,479. Freed Hardeman University alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Northeastern State University
Liberty University placed #50 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
Lindenwood University placed #51 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Lindenwood University
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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