2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 173 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Morningside College, our #1 best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $27,281. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Morningside College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,277. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Governors University
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilson College landed the #3 spot. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $34,814. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wilson College has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Wilson College
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,209. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Campbellsville University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. Located in Campbellsville, KY, Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,998. Graduates carry a median of $24,148 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,583 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,148 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Campbellsville University
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland University College Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,276 in debt. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
National Louis University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full National Louis University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,386. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #9 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $18,559. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
Missouri Western State University placed #10 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Joseph, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Missouri Western State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Missouri Western State University
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Houston Baptist University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,430. Students borrow a median of $25,601 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,933 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,601 median debt. Houston Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Houston Baptist University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,469 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Students borrow a median of $20,795 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $45,744 ten years out. Set against $20,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwestern Oklahoma State University profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of California Irvine ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,539. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Irvine
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #18 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. 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. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. 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%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Florida ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Cleveland State University
George Washington University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,910. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Iowa came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about University Of Iowa
Florida State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $20,488 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on Florida State University
Western Michigan University placed #28 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Western Michigan University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $27,981 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Western Michigan University
Stanford University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Stanford University report
Georgia State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Georgia State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Georgia State University
New York University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,582. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Boston College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Boston College Educational Assessment students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Boston College profile
University Of The Southwest offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Hobbs, NM, University Of The Southwest is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,670. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,162. University Of The Southwest alumni report median earnings of $45,389 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,162 median debt. See the full University Of The Southwest profile
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
Kent State University At Kent landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,174. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. University Of New Mexico Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $19,738 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,792. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of New Mexico Main Campus
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full American University report
Auburn University placed #39 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, with out-of-state students paying around $32,896. Graduates carry a median of $26,516 in student loans. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Dearborn admits about 56% of applicants. More on University Of Michigan Dearborn
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located 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. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Pepperdine University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,918. Pepperdine University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,645 in debt. Pepperdine University alumni report median earnings of $82,939 a decade after entry. Set against $23,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Pepperdine University
University Of Kentucky placed #46 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kentucky
Harvard University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Rochester ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,517 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,042 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. University Of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Rochester
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,053. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Miami landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,616 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. University Of Miami alumni report median earnings of $75,328 a decade after entry. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 19%. More on University Of Miami
University Of Southern California came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern California
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).
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