2026 Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 903 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Winona State University this year in the United States. This public school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Winona State University report
You'll get strong value at Delta State University, which ranked #2 this year. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Typical General Education student debt is $23,432. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Delta State University
You'll get strong value at Walden University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. The median General Education program debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. See the full Walden University profile
A rank of #4 makes Hamline University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. The median General Education program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Hamline University
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Azusa Pacific University
University Of Delaware ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median General Education program debt is $24,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Claremont Graduate University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $42,160 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi General Education students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
University Of Wyoming ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median General Education program debt is $20,283. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
Northcentral University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value 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. Graduates carry a median of $42,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,414. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. See the full Northcentral University profile
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. The median General Education program debt is $27,055. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. More on Northeastern University Global Network
San Diego State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
Seattle Pacific University placed #15 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. 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. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report
The University Of Findlay came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Findlay, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,164. Typical General Education student debt is $25,759. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,996 ten years after entry. Set against $25,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Findlay profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $20,500. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #18 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Florida Southern College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lakeland, FL, Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,040. Graduates carry a median of $25,357 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,294. Set against $25,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full Florida Southern College report
American International College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. American International College is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,230. Graduates carry a median of $30,390 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,124 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full American International College report
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus profile
University Of California Berkeley placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Lesley University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Lesley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,256 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $24,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,173. Set against $24,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lesley University
Nova Southeastern University placed #24 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,700. The median General Education program debt is $25,021. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,209 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Arizona State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of California San Diego came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median General Education program debt is $17,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno General Education students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
Iowa State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Michigan Flint came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Flint, MI, University Of Michigan Flint is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,236 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. University Of Michigan Flint General Education students take on a median of $31,016 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,230 ten years after entry. Set against $31,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Flint admits about 70% of applicants. See the full University Of Michigan Flint profile
University Of The Incarnate Word offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in San Antonio, TX, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,090 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,028 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,733. That is a strong return on a $28,028 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full University Of The Incarnate Word profile
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. University Of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Utah State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical General Education student debt is $16,191. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. More on Utah State University
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $26,259. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Temple University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania General Education students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Hofstra University placed #40 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. Hofstra University alumni report median earnings of $69,039 a decade after entry. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Hofstra University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical General Education student debt is $25,120. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Georgia State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Georgia State University General Education students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. Set against $26,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Georgia State University report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. University Of Mississippi Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $22,444 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median General Education program debt is $20,691. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton has an acceptance rate of 39%. More on Suny At Binghamton
Harvard University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Central Florida placed #46 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,620. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
George Washington University placed #47 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of Idaho landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $23,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about University Of Idaho
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Capella University report
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $10,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Stanford University
Related General Education Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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