2026 Best Value General Education Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 General Education Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Martin Luther College, which ranked #3 this year. Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit school based in New Ulm, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $18,120. Students borrow a median of $20,224 to complete their General Education program here. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Martin Luther College profile
You'll get strong value at Santa Fe Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Santa Fe, NM, Santa Fe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,851, while out-of-state students pay about $4,131. The median General Education program debt is $15,267. Santa Fe Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,005 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Santa Fe Community College
Bellevue University came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,556 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Northeast Community College placed #6 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their General Education program here. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Community College
Worcester State University placed #7 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical General Education student debt is $24,451. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Morningside College placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,281 in student loans. Morningside College alumni report median earnings of $55,494 a decade after entry. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Morningside College report
Gloucester County College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Gloucester County College is a public school based in Sewell, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,160 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,000 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $10,987. Gloucester County College alumni report median earnings of $41,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Gloucester County College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Perkinston, MS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,653 to complete their General Education program here. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,653 median debt. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Whitworth University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Whitworth University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Education students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Northwestern College Minnesota came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,920. Northwestern College Minnesota General Education students take on a median of $23,505 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwestern College Minnesota
Southwest Baptist University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
York College Pennsylvania ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. The median General Education program debt is $26,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
Minot State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minot State University
Delta State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Delta State University
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $22,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Point Loma Nazarene University profile
Grand View University placed #19 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,762. Typical General Education student debt is $26,941. Grand View University alumni report median earnings of $52,824 a decade after entry. Set against $26,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Grand View University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Goucher College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Goucher College General Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Goucher College alumni report median earnings of $53,023 a decade after entry. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Goucher College
Stark State College placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in North Canton, OH. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Typical General Education student debt is $15,957. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,661. That is a strong return on a $15,957 median debt. Read the full report on Stark State College
Wilson College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Wilson College General Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wilson College
Calvin College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Calvin College General Education students take on a median of $22,707 in debt. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,707 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Calvin College
Southern Maine Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. The median General Education program debt is $12,987. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,661. Set against $12,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southern Maine Community College report
Bemidji State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. The median General Education program debt is $25,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in New Wilmington, PA, Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. Students borrow a median of $26,528 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,861. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Winona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Winona State University
Spring Arbor University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical General Education student debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $10,874. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $10,874 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Union College Kentucky placed #34 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,946. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Union College Kentucky report
Valparaiso University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #36 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Typical General Education student debt is $25,033. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
Walden University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota General Education students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Muskingum University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,701. Students borrow a median of $26,932 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $48,440 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Muskingum University
Mississippi University For Women landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Mississippi University For Women General Education students take on a median of $24,509 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. Mississippi University For Women has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Mississippi University For Women report
Gonzaga University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gonzaga University
Hamline University placed #42 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. The median General Education program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hamline University report
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Students borrow a median of $19,277 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Pima Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Typical General Education student debt is $10,655. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Holy Family University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,562 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Holy Family University report
Lehigh Carbon Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. Lehigh Carbon Community College General Education students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,436 ten years out. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lehigh Carbon Community College
El Paso Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,274, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,542 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. Get the full El Paso Community College report
University Of Saint Mary ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,380. The median General Education program debt is $27,810. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,483. That is a strong return on a $27,810 median debt. University Of Saint Mary admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about University Of Saint Mary
Wilmington University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Typical General Education student debt is $26,689. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. Read the full report on Wilmington University
California Baptist University placed #50 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. The median General Education program debt is $28,169. California Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $61,504 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Baptist University profile
Peru State College placed #51 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,433 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,254. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,071 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Get the full Peru State College report
Best Value General Education Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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