2026 Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 814 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Cultural Gender Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
The University Of Texas At Austin tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies doctoral degree schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $22,575 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,575 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #2 on this year's best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies ranking in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $20,745. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $17,625 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $17,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about Cornell University
You'll get strong value at College Of William And Mary, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. College Of William And Mary Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,490 ten years out. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 34%. Get the full College Of William And Mary report
You'll get strong value at University Of California Davis, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $14,166 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $14,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of California Berkeley placed #6 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $15,045. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $15,045 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
George Washington University placed #7 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Read more about George Washington University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,964 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,964 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,179 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $22,179 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,988 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Georgetown University placed #11 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program 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. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgetown University
University Of California San Diego ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $12,485. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $12,485 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $21,988. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $14,935. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Students borrow a median of $21,822 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $21,822 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $17,485. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $17,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,309 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Stanford University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Stanford University
Arizona State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
Brown University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Brown University Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $93,487 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Brown University
University Of Iowa landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,952 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Set against $26,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Emory University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,510 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. Set against $19,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Get the full Emory University report
New York University placed #23 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. New York University Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $19,747. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. Set against $19,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,448 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,797 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,797 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus report
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $13,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $13,107 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on Yale University
University Of Arizona placed #27 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. 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. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $24,568. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Brandeis University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $25,831. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,831 median debt. Brandeis University admits about 40% of applicants. Get the full Brandeis University report
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $20,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of Louisville placed #31 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Based in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. University Of Louisville Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $32,181 in debt. University Of Louisville alumni report median earnings of $53,899 a decade after entry. Set against $32,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full University Of Louisville report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $16,776 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $16,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $24,548 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
University Of California Riverside placed #34 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Located in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about University Of California Riverside
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $25,782 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $25,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $25,234. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $26,061 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $26,061 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,056 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $22,056 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Rutgers University Newark ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,250, compared with $36,762 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rutgers University Newark profile
Bristol Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Bristol Community College
Claremont Graduate University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
Emory And Henry College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Emory And Henry College
Montgomery College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on Montgomery College
Northwest Vista College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. See the full Northwest Vista College profile
Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Pennsylvania State University Penn State Erie Behrend College report
Saint John Fisher College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Saint John Fisher College
Appalachian State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Appalachian State University
Guilford College
Guilford College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on Guilford College
Merrimack College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Merrimack College
Scottsdale Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Scottsdale Community College
Related Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Master’s 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 814 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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