2026 Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2376 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Education graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full La Salle University report
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #2 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Typical Education student debt is $25,995. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Set against $25,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Valley City State University landed the #3 spot. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Valley City State University
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mayville State University landed the #4 spot. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Mayville State University alumni report median earnings of $47,828 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mayville State University
You'll get strong value at Hood College, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Typical Education student debt is $17,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hood College
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,285 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Western Governors University placed #8 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Western Governors University Education students take on a median of $25,146 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Governors University report
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,204 to complete their Education program here. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Set against $26,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Worcester State University placed #10 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University Education students take on a median of $22,971 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Worcester State University profile
Minot State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Students borrow a median of $28,025 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $28,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Minot State University
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Typical Education student debt is $29,107. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Viterbo University report
Bemidji State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,911 to complete their Education program here. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Set against $23,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Mcdaniel College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Typical Education student debt is $16,452. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Wayne State College placed #15 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Wayne State College Education students take on a median of $25,185 in debt. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,185 median debt. Get the full Wayne State College report
Concordia University Seward landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Typical Education student debt is $24,068. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,068 median debt. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Doane College Crete came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Typical Education student debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Concordia University Chicago landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Bethel University Minnesota placed #21 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,226. The median Education program debt is $22,698. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,698 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Hamline University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Hamline University
Piedmont College placed #22 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Students borrow a median of $30,026 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Piedmont College report
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Education students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Goucher College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,350 in tuition and fees. Goucher College Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Goucher College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Gordon College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Gordon College Education students take on a median of $26,975 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,975 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gordon College profile
Ferris State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $29,246 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $29,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $19,157. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #29 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 run about $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Education students take on a median of $26,994 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Olivet Nazarene University
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $29,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $25,223 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. That is a strong return on a $25,223 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
Illinois State University came in at #32 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. Students borrow a median of $23,372 to complete their Education program here. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Education students take on a median of $25,367 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Northwest Nazarene University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Education students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,719 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Nazarene University report
The College Of New Jersey placed #35 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The median Education program debt is $25,793. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of New Jersey
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Education students take on a median of $29,055 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Winona State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,772 in student loans. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
City University Of Seattle ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on City University Of Seattle
Messiah College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. Typical Education student debt is $26,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,064. That is a strong return on a $26,997 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Messiah College
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Baldwin Wallace College
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants. More on York College Pennsylvania
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. University Of St Francis Education students take on a median of $23,642 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,642 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Mckendree University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Mckendree University
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #44 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Students borrow a median of $28,321 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,321 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Carson Newman College placed #45 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,700. Students borrow a median of $24,281 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,382. Set against $24,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carson Newman College profile
University Of Maryland University College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. The median Education program debt is $23,276. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Maryland University College
Whitworth University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Whitworth University
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,485 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Marian University Wisconsin landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,204. The median Education program debt is $27,242. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,501. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Marian University Wisconsin
Youngstown State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,417 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Related Education Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Bachelor’s 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. Rankings consider 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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