2026 Best General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 903 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Leading the list is Claremont Graduate University, our #1 General Education school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. More on Claremont Graduate University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #2 on this year's General Education ranking in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical General Education student debt is $14,238. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Auburn University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Auburn University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Auburn University General Education students take on a median of $22,803 in debt. Read the full report on Auburn University
You'll be in good company at Tufts University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Tufts University General Education students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. See the full Tufts University profile
The strong General Education programs at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus General Education students take on a median of $24,958 in debt. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
California State University Sacramento landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. California State University Sacramento posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
University Of Georgia placed #7 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. University Of Georgia posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,792. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median General Education program debt is $21,818. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Winona State University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median General Education program debt is $24,551. Read the full report on Winona State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Ball State University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $24,518. More on Ball State University
Goucher College came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Goucher College posts a six-year graduation rate of 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. The median General Education program debt is $25,406. More on Goucher College
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,306 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Azusa Pacific University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Azusa Pacific University General Education students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
Northcentral University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. The median General Education program debt is $42,500. See the full Northcentral University profile
University Of North Alabama did well this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Florence, AL. About 55% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. The median General Education program debt is $24,291. Get the full University Of North Alabama report
California State University Fresno did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. California State University Fresno General Education students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. Get the full California State University Fresno report
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. University Of Alabama At Birmingham graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. University Of Alabama At Birmingham General Education students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Portland placed #20 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. University Of Portland graduates 80% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Graduates carry a median of $23,169 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Portland
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Iowa State University placed #22 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their General Education program here. More on Iowa State University
Messiah College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $26,195. Get the full Messiah College report
Hofstra University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,660. The median General Education program debt is $24,848. More on Hofstra University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato General Education students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of Central Florida landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. 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. Typical General Education student debt is $21,620. Read the full report on University Of Central Florida
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #27 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Read more about Texas A And M University Kingsville
California State University Los Angeles ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. California State University Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
Miami University Oxford placed #30 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their General Education program here. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Mississippi State University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $23,969. More on Mississippi State University
Walden University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about Walden University
Saint Michaels College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Colchester, VT. About 73% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,450. The median General Education program debt is $26,640. Read more about Saint Michaels College
Nova Southeastern University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Nova Southeastern University graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $25,021. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,360. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Frostburg State University placed #38 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,220, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,340. Read more about Frostburg State University
Union College Kentucky placed #39 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Barbourville, KY. Roughly 32% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,946. The median General Education program debt is $27,852. See the full Union College Kentucky profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. About 53% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee General Education students take on a median of $30,990 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Eastern Michigan University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. About 46% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Eastern Michigan University General Education students take on a median of $28,781 in debt. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Jacksonville State University landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Jacksonville, AL. About 55% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Jacksonville State University General Education students take on a median of $24,751 in debt. More on Jacksonville State University
University Of Montevallo landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. University Of Montevallo is a public school based in Montevallo, AL. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,948, while out-of-state students pay about $26,968. The median General Education program debt is $25,096. See the full University Of Montevallo profile
Boise State University placed #44 among General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boise, ID. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Typical General Education student debt is $24,311. Get the full Boise State University report
Texas Womans University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. About 49% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $24,211. Read more about Texas Womans University
University Of Connecticut placed #46 among General Education schools in the United States. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. University Of Connecticut posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about University Of Connecticut
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College did well this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,348. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Memphis came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. University Of Memphis graduates 51% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. University Of Memphis General Education students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Read more about University Of Memphis
The University Of Texas At Arlington did well this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Arlington graduates 54% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $13,250. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
Lindenwood University landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Lindenwood University General Education students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. See the full Lindenwood University profile
University Of Oregon landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. The median General Education program debt is $20,096. See the full University Of Oregon profile
Related General Education Rankings
See rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).
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.