2026 Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 116 schools 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 analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Family Consumer Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Illinois State University, our #1 best-value General Family Consumer Sciences school in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median General Family Consumer Sciences program debt is $20,322. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #3 makes Iowa State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University General Family Consumer Sciences students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Family Consumer Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Francisco State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical General Family Consumer Sciences student debt is $17,212. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,212 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Francisco State University profile
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Located in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Typical General Family Consumer Sciences student debt is $27,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
Central Washington University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Students borrow a median of $21,988 to complete their General Family Consumer Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,580. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Washington University profile
Texas Southern University placed #8 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,637, with out-of-state students paying around $21,473. Texas Southern University General Family Consumer Sciences students take on a median of $35,330 in debt. Texas Southern University alumni report median earnings of $38,924 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Southern University
California State University Northridge placed #9 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. The median General Family Consumer Sciences program debt is $17,000. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Northridge report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
The University Of Alabama landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. University Of Arkansas General Family Consumer Sciences students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Montana State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. The median General Family Consumer Sciences program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Montana State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Montana State University report
Eastern Illinois University placed #15 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Family Consumer Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on Eastern Illinois University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Prairie View A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Prairie View, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. The median General Family Consumer Sciences program debt is $29,824. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,411. That is a strong return on a $29,824 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Prairie View A And M University
North Carolina Central University placed #18 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,699, while out-of-state students pay about $19,735. Graduates carry a median of $31,976 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,968 ten years out. Set against $31,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina Central University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina Central University
Alabama A And M University placed #19 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Normal, AL, Alabama A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, compared with $18,634 for out-of-state students. The median General Family Consumer Sciences program debt is $41,531. Median earnings reach $40,628 ten years out. Set against $41,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full Alabama A And M University report
Harding University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. See the full Harding University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
Lipscomb University placed #22 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on Lipscomb University
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Guam landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Guam
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Family Consumer Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Meredith College
Meredith College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. More on Meredith College
Baylor University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read the full report on Baylor University
Northeastern State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Northeastern State University
South Carolina State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. See the full South Carolina State University profile
Delaware State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Delaware State University report
Lone Star College System landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Lone Star College System
University Of North Alabama ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. More on University Of North Alabama
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
South Dakota State University placed #34 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Georgia ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read more about University Of Georgia
Long Beach City College placed #37 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Long Beach City College
Pittsburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. See the full Pittsburg State University profile
Shepherd University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read more about Shepherd University
University Of Kentucky placed #40 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Chaffey College
Chaffey College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Get the full Chaffey College report
Suny At Albany
Suny At Albany landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Suny At Albany profile
Mt San Antonio College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools. Read the full report on Mt San Antonio College
Liberty University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Liberty University report
American Samoa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on American Samoa Community College
Bradley University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Bradley University report
Ohio University Southern Campus placed #48 among the best-value General Family Consumer Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Ohio University Southern Campus report
Delta State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Delta State University
Western Illinois University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Related General Family Consumer Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Family Consumer Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 116 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.