2026 Best Value Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2376 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Martin Luther College landed the #3 spot. Set in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. The median Education program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Martin Luther College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwestern College Iowa earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Northwestern College Iowa
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of The Cumberlands landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsburg, KY. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,782 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Universidad Del Este ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Universidad Del Este Education students take on a median of $30,024 in debt. Universidad Del Este alumni report median earnings of $24,328 a decade after entry. Set against $30,024 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Del Este report
Stevenson University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Owings Mills, MD, Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,560. Students borrow a median of $26,887 to complete their Education program here. Stevenson University alumni report median earnings of $62,079 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,887 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stevenson University report
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Students borrow a median of $22,971 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $22,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,627 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $9,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Morningside College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Morningside College Education students take on a median of $27,880 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $27,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Morningside College profile
Western Governors University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $25,146 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,146 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
University Of Sioux Falls landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,750. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on University Of Sioux Falls
Valley City State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Valley City State University Education students take on a median of $24,586 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Valley City State University
Fitchburg State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Ashland University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ashland University report
Charleston Southern University placed #18 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,520. Graduates carry a median of $27,284 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,898 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,284 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Charleston Southern University
Doane College Crete placed #19 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Graduates carry a median of $17,125 in student loans. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Hood College profile
Gordon College placed #21 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,700. The median Education program debt is $26,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Gordon College profile
Viterbo University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Education program here. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Viterbo University
Southwest Baptist University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. The median Education program debt is $25,223. 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
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. The median Education program debt is $24,068. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $24,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. More on Concordia University Seward
Wayne State College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Typical Education student debt is $25,185. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $25,185 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $26,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Scranton came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,777. University Of Scranton Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Providence College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Providence College report
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. Buena Vista University Education students take on a median of $30,561 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. Set against $30,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Mcdaniel College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $16,452 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $16,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Ferris State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Education student debt is $29,246. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,246 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Drake University placed #32 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drake University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. The median Education program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
William Woods University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. Typical Education student debt is $25,512. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,401. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about William Woods University
Goucher College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Goucher College profile
Heritage University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,928. Heritage University Education students take on a median of $20,049 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Heritage University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #37 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Education program debt is $26,285. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $26,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Midwestern State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Midwestern State University Education students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Dordt College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Dordt College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Center, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $37,050. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Education program here. Dordt College alumni report median earnings of $52,559 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Dordt College report
Minot State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $28,025 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minot State University
Point Loma Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,998 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University
Concordia University Chicago ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,552 to complete their Education program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $26,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. The median Education program debt is $29,055. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,055 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Berry College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Berry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Berry, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,486. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,800. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Berry College admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Berry College
Wilmington University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Wilmington University Education students take on a median of $24,511 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Wilson College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,100. Wilson College Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. Wilson College admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Wilson College report
Hamline University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Education student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Hamline University
Bemidji State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $23,911 median debt. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Bethel College Mishawaka landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mishawaka, IN, Bethel College Mishawaka is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $48,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Bethel College Mishawaka report
Whitworth University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Whitworth University
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Typical Education student debt is $25,500. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
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 Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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