2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 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 Liberal Arts And General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Haskell Indian Nations University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies associate's degree schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, Haskell Indian Nations University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,043. Haskell Indian Nations University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Haskell Indian Nations University report
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, New Mexico Junior College landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Hobbs, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,440 in tuition and fees, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #4 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $6,195. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full American Public University System profile
A rank of #5 makes Highland Community College Highland one of the best values in the United States. Based in Highland, KS, Highland Community College Highland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,495 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,291 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Highland Community College Highland
Columbia Southern University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $15,923 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Leech Lake Tribal College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Leech Lake Tribal College is a public school based in Cass Lake, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,163. Read more about Leech Lake Tribal College
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,214. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
North Hennepin Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $13,830. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,142. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Hennepin Community College profile
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public school based in Coon Rapids, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. Graduates carry a median of $12,943 in student loans. Anoka Ramsey Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,342 a decade after entry. Set against $12,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Johnson County Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,700 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Set against $9,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Collin County Community College District ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,250 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,250 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Rochester Community And Technical College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Rochester Community And Technical College is a public school based in Rochester, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Students borrow a median of $13,250 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $45,287 ten years out. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rochester Community And Technical College profile
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $15,111 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $15,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Northwest Arkansas Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. Graduates carry a median of $10,876 in student loans. Northwest Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,505 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,876 median debt. See the full Northwest Arkansas Community College profile
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Carlsbad, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $10,497. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Normandale Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,329 in tuition and fees. Normandale Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $12,778 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Normandale Community College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,750. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,700 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex profile
Seattle Community College South Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Community College South Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,208, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Median earnings reach $44,486 ten years out. Read the full report on Seattle Community College South Campus
Cascadia Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bothell, WA, Cascadia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,157 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,296. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $7,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,133. Set against $7,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cascadia Community College profile
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $14,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Set against $14,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Garden City Community College placed #22 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,704 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,400 median debt. Read the full report on Garden City Community College
Century College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $14,264 median debt. Read the full report on Century College
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Grand Island, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $8,313 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $8,313 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Cloud County Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $8,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. See the full Cloud County Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Northwest Iowa Community College is a public school based in Sheldon, IA. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Northwest Iowa Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,414 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northwest Iowa Community College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Get the full El Centro College report
New Mexico State University Grants came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. Graduates carry a median of $10,497 in student loans. New Mexico State University Grants alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. Set against $10,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about New Mexico State University Grants
Amarillo College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $13,830. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,830 median debt. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Highline Community College placed #30 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,772, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Students borrow a median of $6,678 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,678 median debt. See the full Highline Community College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Labette Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Labette Community College is a public school based in Parsons, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,064, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $11,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,818 ten years after entry. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Labette Community College report
Lake Superior College placed #33 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Duluth, MN, Lake Superior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Lake Superior College
Mid South Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in West Memphis, AR, Mid South Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,126, while out-of-state students pay about $4,824. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,857. See the full Mid South Community College profile
Tyler Junior College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $11,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $11,010 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Inver Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Inver Hills Community College is a public school based in Inver Grove Heights, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Inver Hills Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $14,575 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Barton County Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Barton County Community College is a public school based in Great Bend, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Barton County Community College profile
Coahoma Community College placed #38 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,490. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $6,601. Median earnings reach $24,289 ten years out. Set against $6,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Coahoma Community College profile
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Camden County College is a public school based in Blackwood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Camden County College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $9,789 in debt. Camden County College alumni report median earnings of $41,212 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,789 median debt. Get the full Camden County College report
Odessa College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $7,500. Odessa College alumni report median earnings of $42,026 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. More on Odessa College
Fort Scott Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Scott, KS, Fort Scott Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fort Scott Community College
Mclennan Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Mclennan Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,163 a decade after entry. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Mclennan Community College
Mid Plains Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,600, while out-of-state students pay about $4,530. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $8,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,059. That is a strong return on a $8,817 median debt. Read more about Mid Plains Community College
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. 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. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oakland Community College profile
Northwest Indian College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,365. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,447 ten years after entry. See the full Northwest Indian College profile
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,249. Central Lakes College Brainerd Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Central Lakes College Brainerd alumni report median earnings of $42,162 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Read more about Central Lakes College Brainerd
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas came in at #48 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 run about $4,320, compared with $5,190 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $7,018. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Lone Star College System placed #49 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,689 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $9,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on 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. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, with out-of-state students paying around $4,067. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wayne County Community College District
Related Liberal Arts And General Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 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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