2026 Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Typical General Education student debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,120. The median General Education program debt is $20,224. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Martin Luther College admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Martin Luther College report
A rank of #4 makes Worcester State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical General Education student debt is $24,451. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Worcester State University
Morningside College came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $27,281. Morningside College alumni report median earnings of $55,494 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Morningside College profile
Whitworth University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Whitworth University report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System General Education students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Southwest Baptist University placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. Southwest Baptist University General Education students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Southwest Baptist University
Northwestern College Minnesota placed #9 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $37,920. Northwestern College Minnesota General Education students take on a median of $23,505 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,755 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,505 median debt. Northwestern College Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Northwestern College Minnesota
Goucher College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. The median General Education program debt is $25,406. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Goucher College
York College Pennsylvania ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. York College Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on York College Pennsylvania
Minot State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. The median General Education program debt is $25,788. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Students borrow a median of $27,016 to complete their General Education program here. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full Southwest Minnesota State University report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Typical General Education student debt is $22,542. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,542 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Grand View University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. The median General Education program debt is $26,941. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,824. That is a strong return on a $26,941 median debt. Grand View University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Grand View University
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Hamline University General Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Hamline University
Wilson College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wilson College
Calvin College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,350. Graduates carry a median of $22,707 in student loans. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Set against $22,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Calvin College admits about 71% of applicants. More on Calvin College
Bemidji State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. The median General Education program debt is $25,819. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Bemidji State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,170. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Westminster College Pa came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Wilmington, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. Westminster College Pa General Education students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Pa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Westminster College Pa report
Spring Arbor University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spring Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Typical General Education student debt is $28,268. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Valparaiso University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Valparaiso, IN. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Valparaiso University General Education students take on a median of $26,724 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,191. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Valparaiso University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. Typical General Education student debt is $25,033. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Winona State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Winona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Heritage University placed #27 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. Heritage University General Education students take on a median of $19,148 in debt. 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
Wilmington University placed #28 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Bethel University Minnesota landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Bethel University Minnesota General Education students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,764 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Muskingum University placed #29 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Concord, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Typical General Education student debt is $26,932. Median earnings reach $48,440 ten years out. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Muskingum University
Mississippi University For Women landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Mississippi University For Women General Education students take on a median of $24,509 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Typical General Education student debt is $25,188. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Gonzaga University
Cumberland University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,840. The median General Education program debt is $21,902. Cumberland University alumni report median earnings of $57,687 a decade after entry. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cumberland University
Corban University placed #34 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salem, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,963. The median General Education program debt is $26,528. Median earnings reach $48,917 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on Corban University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Typical General Education student debt is $19,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Holy Family University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Holy Family University General Education students take on a median of $26,562 in debt. Holy Family University alumni report median earnings of $62,235 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Holy Family University
University Of Saint Mary landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Leavenworth, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $35,380. University Of Saint Mary General Education students take on a median of $27,810 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,483. That is a strong return on a $27,810 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Saint Mary report
California Baptist University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. The median General Education program debt is $28,169. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California Baptist University report
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,832. The median General Education program debt is $27,307. Baldwin Wallace College alumni report median earnings of $54,122 a decade after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Grand Canyon University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. The median General Education program debt is $30,027. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Piedmont College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Typical General Education student debt is $29,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Piedmont College report
Harding University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical General Education student debt is $40,375. 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. Read more about Harding University
Mckendree University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Montclair State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University General Education students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Montclair State University
Concordia University Texas placed #46 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,778. Typical General Education student debt is $28,613. Median earnings reach $60,883 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,613 median debt. Concordia University Texas has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Concordia University Texas profile
Clayton State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Morrow, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. The median General Education program debt is $35,088. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clayton State University
Saint Michaels College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,450. Typical General Education student debt is $26,640. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,317. Set against $26,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Michaels College has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Saint Michaels College profile
California State University Sacramento landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical General Education student debt is $17,492. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Baker University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baldwin City, KS, Baker University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,200. Baker University General Education students take on a median of $29,554 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,855 ten years out. Set against $29,554 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baker University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Baker University
Converse College placed #51 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Spartanburg, SC, Converse College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,240. Typical General Education student debt is $26,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,867 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Converse College
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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.