2026 Best Value Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Other Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 317 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Olivet Nazarene University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Typical Other Education student debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbus State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Students borrow a median of $28,493 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,544. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. Columbus State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Columbus State University
University Of West Georgia came in at #3 on this year's best-value Other Education ranking in the United States. University Of West Georgia is a public school based in Carrollton, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. University Of West Georgia alumni report median earnings of $49,587 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
A rank of #4 makes Xavier University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Typical Other Education student debt is $26,614. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,873. Set against $26,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Xavier University
Out of the 317 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of West Alabama landed the #5 spot. University Of West Alabama is a public school based in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. Graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of West Alabama report
Universidad Del Turabo placed #6 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Students borrow a median of $14,155 to complete their Other Education program here. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Universidad Del Turabo profile
Missouri Baptist University placed #7 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. Typical Other Education student debt is $27,337. Missouri Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $46,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri Baptist University profile
Rowan University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical Other Education student debt is $24,488. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Rowan University report
Webster University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Webster University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,360. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,344 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #11 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median Other Education program debt is $24,161. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Our Lady Of Holy Cross College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in New Orleans, LA, Our Lady Of Holy Cross College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,576. Students borrow a median of $43,500 to complete their Other Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,316 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $43,500 median debt. Our Lady Of Holy Cross College has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full Our Lady Of Holy Cross College profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. The median Other Education program debt is $24,850. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. University Of St Thomas Minnesota Other Education students take on a median of $23,923 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,739 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Old Dominion University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Typical Other Education student debt is $26,001. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Old Dominion University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Other Education student debt is $14,238. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Fordham University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bronx, NY. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. The median Other Education program debt is $25,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Get the full Fordham University report
University Of Pennsylvania placed #19 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median Other Education program debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Wright State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Typical Other Education student debt is $25,836. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. More on Wright State University Main Campus
University Of South Alabama placed #21 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. University Of South Alabama Other Education students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,379. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Alabama report
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical Other Education student debt is $20,115. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Clemson University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Other Education program debt is $23,783. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
Western Michigan University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Other Education program debt is $27,981. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Regent University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Students borrow a median of $29,451 to complete their Other Education program here. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Regent University
Northwestern University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
Grambling State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Grambling State University is a public school based in Grambling, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,683, with out-of-state students paying around $16,706. The median Other Education program debt is $40,941. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,109. That is a strong return on a $40,941 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full Grambling State University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. 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. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Middle Tennessee State University placed #30 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Middle Tennessee State University Other Education students take on a median of $22,754 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,541. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. More on Middle Tennessee State University
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #30 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. Typical Other Education student debt is $24,472. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,177. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Other Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. University Of New Mexico Main Campus Other Education students take on a median of $19,738 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus Other Education students take on a median of $24,958 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
University Of Southern California came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Other Education student debt is $15,625. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Southern California report
Drexel University placed #37 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Drexel University report
Southern Methodist University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. The median Other Education program debt is $20,712. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Methodist University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Durham, NH. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,852. Students borrow a median of $26,368 to complete their Other Education program here. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Typical Other Education student debt is $25,234. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Boston University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read the full report on Boston University
Gratz College
Gratz College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Read more about Gratz College
Hanover College
Hanover College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Hanover College profile
Indiana University Southeast landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Indiana University Southeast
Roosevelt University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Roosevelt University
Saint Josephs University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. More on Saint Josephs University
Nazarene Bible College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Nazarene Bible College
University Of Wyoming came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Gallaudet University placed #49 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. More on Gallaudet University
Muhlenberg College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Muhlenberg College report
Related Other Education Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Other Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Other Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other 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 317 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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