2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Ethnic Studies master’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. Each school below is scored on 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 Ethnic Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Southeastern Oklahoma State University to be the best-value Ethnic Studies school in the United States. This public school is set in Durant, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,200 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Southeastern Oklahoma State University alumni report median earnings of $45,079 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Southeastern Oklahoma State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $20,499. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #3 place in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #4 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Francisco State University profile
Out of the 656 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Depaul University landed the #5 spot. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
Cornell University placed #6 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
George Washington University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #9 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of California Davis landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,155 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #10 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,964 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Florida landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $23,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $23,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Yale University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Yale University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $13,107 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $13,107 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Yale University report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $15,740. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $15,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Utah State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $16,191. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Utah State University
California State University Northridge placed #18 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Arizona State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Suny At Albany offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $26,000. Suny At Albany alumni report median earnings of $67,979 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny At Albany
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based 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, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Brown University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $13,025. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,025 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brown University report
University Of California Irvine placed #23 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,998 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $18,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,792. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Graduates carry a median of $19,747 in student loans. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Ethnic Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $15,056 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $15,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. More on Indiana University Bloomington
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,799 in student loans. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,799 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $28,781. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $19,448 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Brandeis University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,080. Students borrow a median of $24,226 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Brandeis University alumni report median earnings of $77,231 a decade after entry. Set against $24,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brandeis University
New York University placed #31 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
University Of Oregon came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. University Of Oregon Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $25,219 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $25,234. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of California Riverside came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $23,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $25,730. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $25,730 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $26,900. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,056 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $22,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Massachusetts Boston landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,965 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,865. Set against $26,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Boston profile
Carthage College
Carthage College placed #42 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Carthage College report
Colorado College
Colorado College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on Colorado College
Cuny Brooklyn College placed #44 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. More on Cuny Brooklyn College
Lafayette College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. See the full Lafayette College profile
University Of Utah ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. More on University Of Utah
Claremont Graduate University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Read the full report on Claremont Graduate University
Lehigh University placed #48 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Lehigh University report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #49 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Western Nevada College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. See the full Western Nevada College profile
Related Ethnic Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.