2026 Best General Education Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Read the full report on Claremont Graduate University

#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

The strong General Education programs at Harvard University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read the full report on Harvard University

#3

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

The strong General Education programs at Johns Hopkins University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University

#4

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

The strong General Education programs at Stanford University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. The median General Education program debt is $10,492. More on Stanford University

#5

Winona State University

Winona, MN

A rank of #5 makes Winona State University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their General Education program here. More on Winona State University

#6

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Typical General Education student debt is $15,729. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report

#7

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical General Education student debt is $16,155. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#8

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#9

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #9 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $20,500. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile

#10

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Azusa Pacific University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Read more about Azusa Pacific University

#11

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley General Education students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#12

Northeastern University Global Network

Boston, MA

Northeastern University Global Network placed #12 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,055 in student loans. See the full Northeastern University Global Network profile

#13

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia placed #13 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia General Education students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#14

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #14 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#15

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More on Seattle Pacific University

#16

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their General Education program here. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#17

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. University Of California San Diego General Education students take on a median of $17,101 in debt. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#18

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,120. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#19

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full Walden University report

#20

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University placed #20 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median General Education program debt is $25,000. More on Hamline University

#21

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #21 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#22

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University did well this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical General Education student debt is $16,417. Get the full San Diego State University report

#23

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University placed #23 among General Education schools in the United States. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Typical General Education student debt is $42,500. More on Northcentral University

#24

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #24 in this year's ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median General Education program debt is $16,097. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#25

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. About 59% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full University Of Wyoming report

#26

University Of California Riverside

Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. University Of California Riverside graduates 76% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median General Education program debt is $19,187. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside

#27

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong did well this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $23,742. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#28

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#29

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University placed #29 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,700. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report

#30

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median General Education program debt is $23,495. See the full Iowa State University profile

#31

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #31 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical General Education student debt is $21,842. Read more about Arizona State University

#32

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

#33

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #33 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Get the full George Washington University report

#34

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #34 position. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $22,053. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

#35

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. Get the full Hofstra University report

#36

University Of Hawaii At Manoa

Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #36 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete their General Education program here. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile

#37

The University Of Findlay

Findlay, OH

The University Of Findlay placed #37 among General Education schools in the United States. The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit school based in Findlay, OH. The University Of Findlay posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,164. The median General Education program debt is $25,759. More on The University Of Findlay

#38

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. George Mason University General Education students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Read the full report on George Mason University

#39

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. University Of Rochester General Education students take on a median of $21,517 in debt. Read more about University Of Rochester

#40

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Delta State University graduates 48% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. The median General Education program debt is $23,432. Read more about Delta State University

#41

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median General Education program debt is $22,859. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report

#42

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA

Lesley University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Lesley University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. The median General Education program debt is $24,818. Get the full Lesley University report

#43

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Temple University graduates 75% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University General Education students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. See the full Temple University profile

#44

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Drexel University General Education students take on a median of $28,838 in debt. More on Drexel University

#45

University Of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. University Of Central Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. See the full University Of Central Florida profile

#46

Florida Southern College

Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern College did well this year, earning the #46 position. Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakeland, FL. Florida Southern College graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,040. Typical General Education student debt is $25,357. Read more about Florida Southern College

#47

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. See the full Boston University profile

#48

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #48 in this year's ranking. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median General Education program debt is $19,918. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report

#49

University Of Idaho

Moscow, ID

University Of Idaho ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. University Of Idaho General Education students take on a median of $23,844 in debt. Read more about University Of Idaho

#50

University Of Mississippi Main Campus

University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #50 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public school based in University, MS. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $22,444. Read more about University Of Mississippi Main Campus