2026 Best General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 903 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Bellevue University this year in the United States. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Typical General Education student debt is $26,556. More on Bellevue University
The strong General Education programs at University Of Florida earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. Get the full University Of Florida report
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Texas Christian University landed the #3 spot. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their General Education program here. More on Texas Christian University
You'll be in good company at University Of Washington Bothell Campus, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public school based in Bothell, WA. University Of Washington Bothell Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Typical General Education student debt is $15,729. See the full University Of Washington Bothell Campus profile
Brown University came in at #5 on this year's General Education ranking in the United States. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Brown University General Education students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. More on Brown University
Gustavus Adolphus College placed #6 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Saint Peter, MN, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $56,076. Graduates carry a median of $26,197 in student loans. Read more about Gustavus Adolphus College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $15,729. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Central Washington University placed #8 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. Central Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Typical General Education student debt is $21,988. More on Central Washington University
Vanderbilt University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Vanderbilt University General Education students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University
Syracuse University placed #10 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Syracuse University General Education students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Syracuse University report
St Olaf College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. St Olaf College General Education students take on a median of $24,507 in debt. Read more about St Olaf College
Marquette University placed #12 among General Education schools in the United States. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Marquette University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $24,122. See the full Marquette University profile
Saint Martins University placed #13 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Martins University graduates 52% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,510. Typical General Education student debt is $22,818. More on Saint Martins University
Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Set in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $31,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Concordia College At Moorhead
Seattle Pacific University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Seattle Pacific University graduates 62% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Typical General Education student debt is $25,000. Read more about Seattle Pacific University
Saint Norbert College did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in De Pere, WI, Saint Norbert College is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Norbert College graduates 72% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,580. Students borrow a median of $26,578 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Saint Norbert College
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign General Education students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Whitworth University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Read more about Whitworth University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median General Education program debt is $21,818. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
New York University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,375 in student loans. Read the full report on New York University
Monmouth University did well this year, earning the #22 position. Located in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. Read more about Monmouth University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $20,031. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Illinois Wesleyan University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Bloomington, IL, Illinois Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,704. The median General Education program debt is $26,857. Read more about Illinois Wesleyan University
Kansas State University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Kansas State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $23,546 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Kansas State University report
Southwestern University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Georgetown, TX, Southwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southwestern University graduates 73% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $53,613. Typical General Education student debt is $24,975. Read more about Southwestern University
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median General Education program debt is $22,113. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #28 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Michigan State University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. About 81% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of California San Diego placed #30 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
Alma College placed #31 among General Education schools in the United States. Alma College is a private not-for-profit school based in Alma, MI. Alma College posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. In-state tuition and fees average $49,552. Graduates carry a median of $27,248 in student loans. See the full Alma College profile
Dominican University Of California ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Students from in state pay about $52,161 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. See the full Dominican University Of California profile
Denison University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in Granville, OH, Denison University is a private not-for-profit institution. Denison University graduates 79% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,000. Denison University General Education students take on a median of $25,360 in debt. Get the full Denison University report
Dominican University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. The median General Education program debt is $26,236. Read the full report on Dominican University
Heritage University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. Heritage University posts a six-year graduation rate of 52%. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. Students borrow a median of $19,148 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Heritage University report
Trinity Christian College landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Palos Heights, IL, Trinity Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 58% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $20,605. Students borrow a median of $28,722 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Trinity Christian College report
Elmhurst College placed #37 among General Education schools in the United States. Elmhurst College is a private not-for-profit school based in Elmhurst, IL. About 70% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $42,955 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $22,400. Get the full Elmhurst College report
Hamline University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Hamline University report
North Greenville University did well this year, earning the #39 position. North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tigerville, SC. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,800. The median General Education program debt is $24,128. Get the full North Greenville University report
Stetson University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in DeLand, FL. Stetson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,410. Stetson University General Education students take on a median of $25,382 in debt. More on Stetson University
Western Oregon University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Monmouth, OR, Western Oregon University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 47%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,514, compared with $32,169 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Education program here. More on Western Oregon University
Pacific University placed #42 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Forest Grove, OR, Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,374. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Pacific University
Tufts University landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Tufts University
Trinity Washington University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Trinity Washington University graduates 49% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $26,610. Typical General Education student debt is $31,194. Get the full Trinity Washington University report
Saint Thomas Aquinas College placed #45 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Sparkill, NY, Saint Thomas Aquinas College is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Thomas Aquinas College posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $39,450. Graduates carry a median of $24,700 in student loans. More on Saint Thomas Aquinas College
Grand Valley State University placed #46 among General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $29,364 in student loans. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Texas Tech University placed #48 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical General Education student debt is $24,271. More on Texas Tech University
Midland University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Based in Fremont, NE, Midland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,050. Midland University General Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Midland University
Duquesne University placed #50 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duquesne University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $26,297. See the full Duquesne University profile
Loras College landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Set in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,824 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Read the full report on Loras College
University Of Hawaii West Oahu placed #52 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a public school based in Kapolei, HI. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $7,584, with out-of-state students paying around $20,544. Students borrow a median of $24,333 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about University Of Hawaii West Oahu
Related General Education Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best General Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best General Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 903 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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