2026 Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 814 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, 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 Cultural Gender Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat San Diego State University this year in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $20,499. 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. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of Utah came in at #2 on this year's best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Utah
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $17,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on San Francisco State University
Out of the 814 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $20,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Depaul University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies ranking in the United States. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $24,738 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,738 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University
Out of the 814 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Miami University Oxford landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Oxford, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $20,552. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. That is a strong return on a $20,552 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford
George Washington University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Duke University placed #9 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Duke University Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $21,988 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Iowa ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $26,952. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $26,952 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $22,843. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade 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%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Florida placed #13 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
Utah State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. More on Utah State University
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $18,120. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Based in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $19,797. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Portland State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Portland State University
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Virginia Commonwealth University Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $23,738 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Set against $23,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $22,135. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $22,135 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,324. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Oregon profile
Syracuse University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Students borrow a median of $22,903 to complete their Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program here. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,903 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Syracuse University report
University Of Louisville offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Graduates carry a median of $32,181 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. That is a strong return on a $32,181 median debt. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants. See the full University Of Louisville profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $25,782. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. 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 Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $25,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies program debt is $16,776. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $16,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Rhode Island offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $21,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rhode Island has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Rhode Island
University Of Connecticut placed #28 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. University Of Connecticut Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $26,262 in debt. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,262 median debt. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of Chicago ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies student debt is $15,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,885. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Chicago
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Durham, NH. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies students take on a median of $25,832 in debt. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. Set against $25,832 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Leeward Community College placed #31 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Leeward Community College report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #32 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Louisiana Lafayette ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. Read more about University Of Louisiana Lafayette
University Of Massachusetts Lowell offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. More on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Eastern Connecticut State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. See the full Eastern Connecticut State University profile
Edgewood College
Edgewood College placed #36 among the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools in the United States. Read the full report on Edgewood College
Hood College
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. See the full Hood College profile
Lenoir Rhyne University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Lenoir Rhyne University report
The New School
The New School ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. See the full The New School profile
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Emmanuel College Massachusetts came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. More on Emmanuel College Massachusetts
Missouri Southern State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Missouri Southern State University profile
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
Brown University
Brown University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Brown University
California State University Northridge came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. More on California State University Northridge
Irvine Valley College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. See the full Irvine Valley College profile
Kean University
Kean University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies schools. See the full Kean University profile
Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. See the full Southeastern University profile
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
California State University San Bernardino landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about California State University San Bernardino
Related Ethnic Cultural Gender Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Cultural Gender 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 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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