2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 173 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To 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 Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,861 in debt. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware
Fontbonne University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,976. Graduates carry a median of $33,503 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,825. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fontbonne University
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Dakota landed the #5 spot. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,110. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Augusta University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Augusta University profile
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. Get the full University Of California Santa Cruz report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,481. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
A T Still University Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. More on A T Still University Of Health Sciences
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,778. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Maryland College Park placed #13 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Boston College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $18,101. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. Get the full Boston College report
University Of Iowa came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,115 in debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. 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. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. Get the full Teachers College At Columbia University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Clemson University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,783. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #22 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Western Michigan University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $27,981. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Educational Assessment students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Florida State University placed #26 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,488. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida State University
Middle Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Indiana University Bloomington placed #28 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,542. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. Students borrow a median of $23,559 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $54,659 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,559 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. University Of New Mexico Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $19,738 in debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,738 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,113. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Alabama placed #39 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,496. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
University Of California Irvine ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $16,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on University Of California Irvine
University Of South Carolina Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,472 in student loans. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Oregon landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Oregon
Wayne State University placed #43 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,689. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wayne State University
University Of Denver landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,534. Median earnings reach $71,155 ten years out. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Denver
University Of Connecticut landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,637. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. See the full University Of Connecticut profile
American University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Get the full American University report
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Iowa State University
Ursuline College
Ursuline College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. More on Ursuline College
Lubbock Christian University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Read the full report on Lubbock Christian University
Southern Connecticut State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Southern Connecticut State University report
Vanderbilt University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Related Educational Assessment Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Assessment Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Assessment Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s 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 173 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.