2026 Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 analyzed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Goucher College to be the best-value General Education school in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Goucher College report
A rank of #2 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Winona State University, which ranked #3 this year. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Winona State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Union College Kentucky earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,946. Union College Kentucky General Education students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 63%. More on Union College Kentucky
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Walden University landed the #5 spot. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Typical General Education student debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walden University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. 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. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of North Alabama ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. University Of North Alabama General Education students take on a median of $24,291 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,415 ten years out. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of North Alabama
Post University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,922. Students borrow a median of $35,364 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $35,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Post University
Messiah College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mechanicsburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. The median General Education program debt is $26,195. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,064. Set against $26,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. More on Messiah College
Saint Michaels College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit school based in Colchester, VT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,450. Saint Michaels College General Education students take on a median of $26,640 in debt. Saint Michaels College alumni report median earnings of $61,317 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Michaels College admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Saint Michaels College profile
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Liberty University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Typical General Education student debt is $42,160. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Liberty University profile
Lindenwood University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in North Adams, MA, Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,436, with out-of-state students paying around $21,381. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,102. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts report
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. The median General Education program debt is $25,531. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
Azusa Pacific University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
Claremont Graduate University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Claremont Graduate University alumni report median earnings of $64,372 a decade after entry. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Frostburg State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,340. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Frostburg State University profile
California State University Fresno ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical General Education student debt is $15,598. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
Northcentral University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,594. Typical General Education student debt is $42,500. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. Read more about Northcentral University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,306. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $43,360. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland alumni report median earnings of $65,344 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Jackson State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Jackson State University is a public school based in Jackson, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. The median General Education program debt is $32,944. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,944 median debt. Jackson State University admits about 93% of applicants. More on Jackson State University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $26,162. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median General Education program debt is $24,619. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
California State University Los Angeles landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Typical General Education student debt is $14,430. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on California State University Los Angeles
Salem State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Salem State University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,083. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $25,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
University Of California Berkeley placed #30 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, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical General Education student debt is $14,238. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median General Education program debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Texas Womans University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Texas Womans University
University Of Memphis landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $26,315. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #34 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,818. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Ball State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $24,518. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Ball State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median General Education program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Auburn University placed #37 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $22,803. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $22,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about Auburn University
University Of Portland landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Portland, OR, University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. The median General Education program debt is $23,169. Median earnings reach $82,804 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Portland has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Portland
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Jacksonville State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,894, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Students borrow a median of $24,751 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,235 ten years after entry. Set against $24,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Jacksonville State University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Iowa State University placed #42 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median General Education program debt is $23,495. 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. See the full Iowa State University profile
Nova Southeastern University placed #42 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Typical General Education student debt is $25,021. Nova Southeastern University alumni report median earnings of $59,209 a decade after entry. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
Mississippi State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Students borrow a median of $23,969 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,513. That is a strong return on a $23,969 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
Hofstra University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hempstead, NY. Students from in state pay about $57,660 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $24,848. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Hofstra University
University Of Central Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete their General Education program here. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
Austin Peay State University placed #46 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $24,530. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,301 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Austin Peay State University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical General Education student debt is $24,958. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Students borrow a median of $30,990 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. Typical General Education student debt is $23,013. Median earnings reach $54,967 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile
University Of Montevallo offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Montevallo, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,948, compared with $26,968 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,096. University Of Montevallo alumni report median earnings of $42,957 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,096 median debt. University Of Montevallo admits about 54% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Montevallo
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 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. 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).
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.