2026 Best Value Education Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2376 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Education Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Urban College Of Boston this year in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Urban College Of Boston is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,472. Get the full Urban College Of Boston report
A rank of #2 makes Northeast Community College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,799 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $42,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,799 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Spokane Falls Community College landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,955. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. More on Spokane Falls Community College
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Camden County College landed the #4 spot. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,212. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Camden County College report
Santa Fe Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Set in Santa Fe, NM, Santa Fe Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,851, compared with $4,131 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $15,185. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,005 ten years after entry. Set against $15,185 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Santa Fe Community College report
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Education students take on a median of $13,878 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
Itawamba Community College placed #7 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Alexandria Technical And Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Alexandria Technical And Community College Education students take on a median of $14,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,393 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
El Centro College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical Education student debt is $12,500. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Read more about El Centro College
Northcentral Technical College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Graduates carry a median of $11,709 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Set against $11,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $15,835 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Georgia Military College Milledgeville came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. Typical Education student debt is $11,116. Georgia Military College Milledgeville alumni report median earnings of $39,257 a decade after entry. Set against $11,116 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Fox Valley Technical College placed #14 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. The median Education program debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Milwaukee Area Technical College Education students take on a median of $21,095 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. Set against $21,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Lone Star College System came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Graduates carry a median of $8,479 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
South Texas College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in McAllen, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. South Texas College alumni report median earnings of $36,788 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. See the full South Texas College profile
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Chippewa Valley Technical College Education students take on a median of $11,125 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $11,125 median debt. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,830, while out-of-state students pay about $6,060. Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff Education students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,442 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff profile
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. The median Education program debt is $20,876. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $20,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Amarillo College placed #21 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Typical Education student debt is $15,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Amarillo College report
Stanly Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,672, compared with $8,816 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,686. More on Stanly Community College
Cuny Bronx Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,206, while out-of-state students pay about $8,086. Graduates carry a median of $8,224 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,307. That is a strong return on a $8,224 median debt. More on Cuny Bronx Community College
Essex County College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,415, while out-of-state students pay about $9,523. Essex County College Education students take on a median of $12,472 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,230. That is a strong return on a $12,472 median debt. Read more about Essex County College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Education students take on a median of $11,693 in debt. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins alumni report median earnings of $30,848 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,693 median debt. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Sinclair Community College placed #26 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical Education student debt is $12,129. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Set against $12,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Holmes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Goodman, MS, Holmes Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,710 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,200 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,922 ten years after entry. Set against $6,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Holmes Community College
Mid State Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Students borrow a median of $11,626 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
Atlanta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Atlanta Technical College is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $17,655. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Georgia Piedmont Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Clarkston, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,404 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,954. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,619 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Albany Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,364, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. The median Education program debt is $19,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,250 median debt. More on Albany Technical College
Vance Granville Community College placed #32 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Vance Granville Community College is a public school based in Henderson, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,944, while out-of-state students pay about $6,552. The median Education program debt is $14,833. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,304. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Read the full report on Vance Granville Community College
Middlesex Community College Bedford ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public school based in Bedford, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,098, with out-of-state students paying around $12,170. Graduates carry a median of $11,602 in student loans. Middlesex Community College Bedford alumni report median earnings of $50,651 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,602 median debt. Read more about Middlesex Community College Bedford
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Education students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Gloucester County College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,160, compared with $6,000 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,987 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,751. Set against $10,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gloucester County College report
El Paso Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. El Paso Community College is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. El Paso Community College Education students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,212. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on El Paso Community College
Cuny Hostos Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bronx, NY, Cuny Hostos Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,254, while out-of-state students pay about $8,134. Cuny Hostos Community College Education students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuny Hostos Community College profile
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Central Piedmont Community College Education students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Central Piedmont Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,865 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Perkinston, MS. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Students borrow a median of $9,562 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,017. That is a strong return on a $9,562 median debt. Get the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College report
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Okmulgee, OK, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $13,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt. See the full Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee profile
Tarrant County College District landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,863 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,370 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $9,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,727. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tarrant County College District report
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,932 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $13,932 median debt. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #43 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Education students take on a median of $20,710 in debt. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,137 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,710 median debt. More on Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Rasmussen College Florida placed #43 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,256. Rasmussen College Florida Education students take on a median of $26,710 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,710 median debt. More on Rasmussen College Florida
Delaware County Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Media, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. Graduates carry a median of $13,340 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,391 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. See the full Delaware County Community College profile
Community College Of Vermont ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Montpelier, VT, Community College Of Vermont is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,920, compared with $13,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,357 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,234. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Community College Of Vermont
Pitt Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Winterville, NC, Pitt Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,871, compared with $13,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,250 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,259 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. Get the full Pitt Community College report
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #48 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. St Cloud Technical And Community College Education students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Students borrow a median of $16,838 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $16,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Typical Education student debt is $22,670. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $22,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Related Education Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value 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 2376 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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