2026 Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools

#2

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,782 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Set against $22,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report

#3

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report

#4

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $9,627 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo

#5

William Woods University

Fulton, MO

A rank of #5 makes William Woods University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,512 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on William Woods University

#6

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Education students take on a median of $26,552 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report

#7

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Typical Education student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#8

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University placed #8 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,511 to complete their Education program here. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $24,511 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile

#9

Mckendree University

Lebanon, IL

Mckendree University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Mckendree University

#10

Doane College Crete

Crete, NE

Doane College Crete landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Doane College Crete

#11

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University

#12

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,566. Students borrow a median of $25,223 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,223 median debt. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University

#12

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Education students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul

#14

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Ferris State University Education students take on a median of $29,246 in debt. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report

#15

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $29,421 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $29,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile

#16

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $26,772 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $26,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Winona State University profile

#17

Piedmont College

Demorest, GA

Piedmont College placed #17 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Typical Education student debt is $30,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Set against $30,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Piedmont College report

#18

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Drake University profile

#19

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. Delta State University Education students take on a median of $22,141 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on Delta State University

#20

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Education students take on a median of $26,994 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,994 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University

#20

Evangel University

Springfield, MO

Evangel University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,548. Graduates carry a median of $29,796 in student loans. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,796 median debt. Evangel University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Evangel University

#22

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Education program debt is $47,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $47,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report

#23

The Sage Colleges

Troy, NY

The Sage Colleges offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,164. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges

#24

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $23,642 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of St Francis

#25

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,723 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#26

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median Education program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Hamline University profile

#27

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #27 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Education students take on a median of $26,285 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato

#28

National Louis University

Chicago, IL

National Louis University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. The median Education program debt is $42,172. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $42,172 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about National Louis University

#29

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong placed #29 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $25,367. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,367 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#30

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,372 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,372 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University

#31

Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Students borrow a median of $28,391 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,544. Set against $28,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Columbus State University report

#32

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,485 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile

#33

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID

Northwest Nazarene University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Education program here. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full Northwest Nazarene University report

#34

Gwynedd Mercy College

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,838. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Gwynedd Mercy College alumni report median earnings of $67,145 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gwynedd Mercy College admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Gwynedd Mercy College report

#35

City University Of Seattle

Seattle, WA

City University Of Seattle placed #35 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. Typical Education student debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about City University Of Seattle

#36

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Education student debt is $27,417. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report

#38

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Holy Family University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Holy Family University

#39

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. Typical Education student debt is $22,698. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $22,698 median debt. Bethel University Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Bethel University Minnesota

#40

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #40 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile

#41

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University placed #41 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Collegedale, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,300. The median Education program debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Adventist University admits about 66% of applicants. More on Southern Adventist University

#42

Carson Newman College

Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. Typical Education student debt is $24,281. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. Set against $24,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Carson Newman College

#43

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. Students borrow a median of $26,084 to complete their Education program here. Biola University alumni report median earnings of $56,778 a decade after entry. Set against $26,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Biola University

#44

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,892 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gonzaga University

#45

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Centenary College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hackettstown, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,732. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,726 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Centenary College report

#45

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Education student debt is $25,664. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $25,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University

#47

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Xavier University

#48

Aurora University

Aurora, IL

Aurora University placed #48 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. The median Education program debt is $24,197. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $24,197 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Aurora University

#49

Freed Hardeman University

Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Freed Hardeman University alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report

#50

Concordia University Texas

Austin, TX

Concordia University Texas ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,778. The median Education program debt is $28,613. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,883. Set against $28,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Texas

#51

University Of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary placed #51 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Typical Education student debt is $27,351. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,909. That is a strong return on a $27,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Mary

#52

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia placed #52 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Graduates carry a median of $26,787 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,587 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,787 median debt. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. Get the full University Of West Georgia report