2026 Best Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 903 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Bellevue University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Bellevue University General Education students take on a median of $26,556 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $26,556 median debt. Get the full Bellevue University report
You'll get strong value at Peru State College, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,433. Typical General Education student debt is $26,254. Peru State College alumni report median earnings of $47,071 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Read the full report on Peru State College
A rank of #3 makes Southwest Minnesota State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Wilmington University came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
A rank of #5 makes Ashford University one of the best values in the United States. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. The median General Education program debt is $44,596. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $44,596 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
Walden University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. 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. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read more about Walden University
Heritage University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,928. The median General Education program debt is $19,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,416. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. See the full Heritage University profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,700 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Central Washington University placed #10 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Central Washington University is a public school based in Ellensburg, WA. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,580. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Washington University
City University Of Seattle placed #11 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on City University Of Seattle
University Of Florida placed #12 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida General Education students take on a median of $17,669 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
West Liberty University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Liberty, WV, West Liberty University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,893, while out-of-state students pay about $17,442. The median General Education program debt is $27,144. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about West Liberty University
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $29,364 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,364 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Grand Valley State University
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Waxahachie, TX, Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,064. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,238. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Eastern Michigan University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Northcentral University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,594. Northcentral University General Education students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northcentral University
Concordia College At Moorhead placed #18 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,170 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $26,637. Concordia College At Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $59,317 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full Concordia College At Moorhead profile
University Of Hawaii West Oahu came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kapolei, HI, University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,584, compared with $20,544 for out-of-state students. University Of Hawaii West Oahu General Education students take on a median of $24,333 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,075. That is a strong return on a $24,333 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Hawaii West Oahu
Kansas State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $23,546. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
North Greenville University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tigerville, SC. Students from in state pay about $25,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,128 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,035. Set against $24,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Greenville University report
University Of Sioux Falls came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,750. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about University Of Sioux Falls
Texas Womans University placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $24,211. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Womans University
Lindenwood University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Lindenwood University General Education students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
University Of Arkansas At Monticello landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Monticello, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,292, while out-of-state students pay about $14,857. The median General Education program debt is $15,611. University Of Arkansas At Monticello alumni report median earnings of $36,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Monticello
Suny Empire State College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Graduates carry a median of $21,422 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,422 median debt. Get the full Suny Empire State College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Harding University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Searcy, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Harding University General Education students take on a median of $40,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $40,375 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Harding University profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical General Education student debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $21,818. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Florida Atlantic University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $18,474 to complete their General Education program here. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Set against $18,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida Atlantic University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical General Education student debt is $22,113. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Flagler College St Augustine came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Augustine, FL, Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,900 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $30,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,483. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. Flagler College St Augustine admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Flagler College St Augustine report
Trinity Washington University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,610. Typical General Education student debt is $31,194. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,804 ten years after entry. Set against $31,194 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Trinity Washington University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical General Education student debt is $30,990. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bothell, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Bothell Campus profile
Seattle Pacific University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. Seattle Pacific University General Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Seattle Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $64,506 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. The median General Education program debt is $23,312. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete their General Education program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Florida Gulf Coast University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Typical General Education student debt is $20,755. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,560 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Gulf Coast University profile
Western Oregon University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Monmouth, OR, Western Oregon University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,514, while out-of-state students pay about $32,169. Western Oregon University General Education students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,815. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Oregon University profile
Eastern Washington University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,897. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Eastern Washington University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Saginaw Valley State University placed #44 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in University Center, MI, Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,930, while out-of-state students pay about $30,450. Saginaw Valley State University General Education students take on a median of $28,091 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saginaw Valley State University profile
Saint Martins University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,510. Students borrow a median of $22,818 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Saint Martins University profile
Avila University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $40,200 in tuition and fees. Avila University General Education students take on a median of $29,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Avila University
Bob Jones University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greenville, SC, Bob Jones University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,892. The median General Education program debt is $20,497. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Bob Jones University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #48 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Trinity Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. Students from in state pay about $20,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,722 to complete their General Education program here. Trinity Christian College alumni report median earnings of $55,700 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Trinity Christian College report
Liberty University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University General Education students take on a median of $42,160 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,160 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Fairmont State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,708, compared with $18,924 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $22,760. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,857. Set against $22,760 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Fairmont State University profile
Related General Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value General Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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.