2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2221 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Haskell Indian Nations University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, Haskell Indian Nations University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $600. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,043. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Haskell Indian Nations University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Mexico Junior College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, while out-of-state students pay about $2,280. New Mexico Junior College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. New Mexico Junior College alumni report median earnings of $34,233 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on New Mexico Junior College
Southeast Community College Area came in at #3 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Southeast Community College Area Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
A rank of #4 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,195. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $6,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Highland Community College Highland earned it the #5 place in the United States. Highland Community College Highland is a public school based in Highland, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,495. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $41,291 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Highland Community College Highland
Columbia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $15,923. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,923 median debt. More on Columbia Southern University
Leech Lake Tribal College placed #7 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Cass Lake, MN, Leech Lake Tribal College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,163. See the full Leech Lake Tribal College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #8 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,214. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,214 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,061. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $13,830. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,142 ten years after entry. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
Anoka Ramsey Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public school based in Coon Rapids, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,682. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $12,943. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. Set against $12,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Students borrow a median of $9,700 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Collin County Community College District landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in McKinney, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. Set against $9,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Collin County Community College District
Rochester Community And Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,389. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $13,250. Rochester Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,287 a decade after entry. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rochester Community And Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,111 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Set against $15,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Cloud Technical And Community College report
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,497. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public school based in Bentonville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,876 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. Set against $10,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Arkansas Community College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,750. Students borrow a median of $10,700 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $10,700 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex report
Normandale Community College placed #17 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,329. Students borrow a median of $12,778 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,207. Set against $12,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Normandale Community College
Seattle Community College South Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College South Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,208 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,486. Read the full report on Seattle Community College South Campus
Cascadia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Bothell, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,157, with out-of-state students paying around $11,296. Cascadia Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $7,000 in debt. Cascadia Community College alumni report median earnings of $54,133 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,000 median debt. Read more about Cascadia Community College
Northland Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Northland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Thief River Falls, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $14,875 median debt. More on Northland Community And Technical College
Garden City Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Garden City Community College is a public school based in Garden City, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,690, while out-of-state students pay about $4,320. Graduates carry a median of $8,400 in student loans. Garden City Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,704 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Garden City Community College
Century College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $14,264. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $14,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Century College profile
Central Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $4,800. Central Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,313 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
Cloud County Community College placed #25 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Concordia, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $8,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,883. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cloud County Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northwest Iowa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,350, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $8,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,776. That is a strong return on a $8,414 median debt. Get the full Northwest Iowa Community College report
El Centro College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
Amarillo College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $13,830. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Amarillo College
Highline Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,678. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Labette Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Parsons, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,064, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,818 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Labette Community College report
New Mexico State University Grants ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. New Mexico State University Grants is a public school based in Grants, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,272. Students borrow a median of $10,497 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $10,497 median debt. Read more about New Mexico State University Grants
Delgado Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $24,601. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Delgado Community College profile
Lake Superior College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $5,785. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $13,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Superior College
Tyler Junior College placed #34 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $11,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Set against $11,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Inver Hills Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $14,575. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. That is a strong return on a $14,575 median debt. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
Barton County Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Barton County Community College is a public school based in Great Bend, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,428. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Barton County Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho placed #36 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Students borrow a median of $9,289 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Coahoma Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Clarksdale, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,490. Students borrow a median of $6,601 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,289. Set against $6,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Coahoma Community College
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,789. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,789 median debt. More on Camden County College
Odessa College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,688, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. Graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,026 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. More on Odessa College
Fort Scott Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Fort Scott, KS, Fort Scott Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $3,840. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $9,638. Fort Scott Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,213 a decade after entry. Set against $9,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fort Scott Community College
Mclennan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Waco, TX. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Mclennan Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $12,843 in debt. Mclennan Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mclennan Community College
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in De Queen, AR, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $5,190. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $7,018. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $33,775 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Mid Plains Community College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in North Platte, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. Graduates carry a median of $8,817 in student loans. Mid Plains Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,059 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,817 median debt. See the full Mid Plains Community College profile
College Of The Mainland placed #45 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,639. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Oakland Community College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $12,843. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Northwest Indian College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Bellingham, WA, Northwest Indian College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,365 in tuition and fees. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,447. Get the full Northwest Indian College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd placed #48 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brainerd, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,249 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,162. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central Lakes College Brainerd
Lone Star College System ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,689. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $9,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lone Star College System
Wayne County Community College District placed #50 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Graduates carry a median of $17,154 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,079. That is a strong return on a $17,154 median debt. More on Wayne County Community College District
Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 2221 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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