2026 Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1197 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.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Family Consumer Human Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Erikson Institute, our #1 best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences school in the United States. Erikson Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. See the full Erikson Institute profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clemson University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Clemson University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $24,417. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
A rank of #4 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,797 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,797 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Out of the 1197 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #5 spot. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Kansas State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,489 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,402. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,402 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Towson University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University
Iowa State University placed #9 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $23,951 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of North Alabama came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. University Of North Alabama Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $27,143 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,415 ten years out. Set against $27,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $25,782. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $25,782 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Kentucky placed #12 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,464 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Georgia ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $23,064. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,064 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Eastern Washington University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Eastern Washington University Family Consumer Human Sciences students take on a median of $19,936 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,897. That is a strong return on a $19,936 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Eastern Washington University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $17,296. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,296 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $29,750. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Portland State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical Family Consumer Human Sciences student debt is $23,334. Portland State University alumni report median earnings of $57,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Portland State University profile
University Of Arizona came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,400 to complete their Family Consumer Human Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $20,400 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Capella University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
American University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. Get the full American University report
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,212 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $22,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about The University Of Tennessee
Nova Southeastern University placed #23 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $25,021. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,209 ten years after entry. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report
Case Western Reserve University placed #25 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,608. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $25,106. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,989. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. Case Western Reserve University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on Case Western Reserve University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Auburn University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $24,765 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $24,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Maine landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Maine
Syracuse University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $23,822 in student loans. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read more about Syracuse University
Cuny Hunter College placed #29 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $11,091. Median earnings reach $63,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
Virginia State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Virginia State University is a public school based in Petersburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,043, while out-of-state students pay about $22,650. The median Family Consumer Human Sciences program debt is $29,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,543. Set against $29,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia State University
Harcum College
Harcum College placed #31 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Harcum College report
Hope International University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Hope International University report
John Brown University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about John Brown University
Montana State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Montana State University profile
Oakland Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
Santa Ana College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. More on Santa Ana College
Simmons College
Simmons College placed #38 among the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools in the United States. Get the full Simmons College report
University Of Memphis landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Memphis
Berkeley City College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Berkeley City College profile
Evergreen Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Evergreen Valley College
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Florida State College At Jacksonville
Mesa State College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read more about Mesa State College
Stanly Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Read more about Stanly Community College
Suny Empire State College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. More on Suny Empire State College
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Wayne Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Wayne Community College profile
Antioch University Midwest offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Antioch University Midwest
Bennington College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Bennington College profile
Bevill State Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Family Consumer Human Sciences schools. Read the full report on Bevill State Community College
Related Family Consumer Human Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Family Consumer Human Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1197 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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