2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Ethnic Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 656 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Ethnic Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Haskell Indian Nations University this year in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, Haskell Indian Nations University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $600 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,043 ten years after entry. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Haskell Indian Nations University
You'll get strong value at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $24,624. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #3 on this year's best-value Ethnic Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Out of the 656 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Hunter College landed the #4 spot. Cuny Hunter College is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Cuny Hunter College Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $10,698 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,163. Set against $10,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
A rank of #5 makes San Diego State University one of the best values in the United States. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. San Diego State University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $20,499 in debt. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $26,814. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,814 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $17,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
Iowa State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $23,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,094 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,752. Set against $14,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Brooklyn College report
Stanford University placed #10 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stanford University
Eastern Michigan University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $28,781. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
California State University Chico came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $18,591. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,591 median debt. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
Bowdoin College placed #13 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Brunswick, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $67,832. Bowdoin College Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $20,658 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,735 ten years after entry. Set against $20,658 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 7%. Get the full Bowdoin College report
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $22,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Florida profile
California State University Long Beach ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $12,187. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,187 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read more about California State University Long Beach
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
Cuny City College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $20,532. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,039. Set against $20,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny City College profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $21,829. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Sonoma State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Sonoma State University is a public school based in Rohnert Park, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,624 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Sonoma State University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $19,187 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years out. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Sonoma State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Miami University Oxford came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Oxford, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $24,177. Miami University Oxford alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Wellesley College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Wellesley, MA, Wellesley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,176 in tuition and fees. Wellesley College Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $11,075 in debt. Wellesley College alumni report median earnings of $84,803 a decade after entry. Set against $11,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 14%. Get the full Wellesley College report
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #23 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $15,000. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Ethnic Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Georgetown University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $17,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 13%. Read the full report on Georgetown University
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $19,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
Duke University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duke University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #29 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $21,964 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Florida State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $20,488. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,870 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,870 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Western Washington University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Western Washington University is a public school based in Bellingham, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $20,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Western Washington University report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #34 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $13,486. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $13,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
California State University Sacramento placed #35 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. California State University Sacramento Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $18,120 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $18,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on California State University Sacramento
Williams College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Williams College is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamstown, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,560. Graduates carry a median of $12,615 in student loans. Williams College alumni report median earnings of $88,665 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,615 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read the full report on Williams College
Brown University placed #37 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Brown University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brown University
University Of Iowa ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $26,500. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Aurora University placed #40 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,507 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Aurora University profile
Dartmouth College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Dartmouth College Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $15,157 in debt. Dartmouth College alumni report median earnings of $97,434 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,157 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Dartmouth College report
University Of Delaware landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Barnard College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,888. Graduates carry a median of $17,609 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,516 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,609 median debt. Barnard College admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Barnard College report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $15,056. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $15,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Amherst College placed #44 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, Amherst College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,480. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $18,032. Median earnings reach $77,644 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,032 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about Amherst College
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. Metropolitan State College Of Denver Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $31,966 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,093 ten years out. Set against $31,966 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver profile
University Of California Davis ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $14,155 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Set against $14,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Washington State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University
Suny At Albany placed #48 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albany, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Suny At Albany report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,100 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $14,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Related Ethnic Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 656 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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