2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2221 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies school in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. American Public University System Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $6,195 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,195 median debt. Read more about American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $9,289 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
You'll get strong value at Thomas Edison State College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,856. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $17,883. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,331 ten years after entry. Set against $17,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia College Missouri landed the #4 spot. Set in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $23,309. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,309 median debt. See the full Columbia College Missouri profile
You'll get strong value at Excelsior College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,536. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,493. That is a strong return on a $10,536 median debt. Read the full report on Excelsior College
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $22,552. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,552 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
National University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Students borrow a median of $22,717 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $22,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
Charter Oak State College placed #9 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Britain, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,506. Graduates carry a median of $20,205 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,209 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,205 median debt. Get the full Charter Oak State College report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $31,000. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Western Illinois University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $28,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $16,706. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,844 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $25,844 median debt. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
South Dakota State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $20,866 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Ashford University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $31,500. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,500 median debt. Read more about Ashford University
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $32,145. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
West Texas A And M University placed #17 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
Baker College Of Flint came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,000. Students borrow a median of $44,313 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,833 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $44,313 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $21,532 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,532 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Minot State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $29,147. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Set against $29,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minot State University report
Wilmington University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $27,736. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,736 median debt. More on Wilmington University
West Virginia University At Parkersburg landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Parkersburg, WV, West Virginia University At Parkersburg is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,476, with out-of-state students paying around $9,424. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $15,084. West Virginia University At Parkersburg alumni report median earnings of $35,171 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Virginia University At Parkersburg profile
Fort Hays State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,592 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
University Of North Dakota came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $24,901 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $24,901 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Arecibo, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,550. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,040. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,908 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $29,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. Set against $29,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Mississippi University For Women
Potomac State College Of West Virginia University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Keyser, WV, Potomac State College Of West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $13,200. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Potomac State College Of West Virginia University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $19,000. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $30,676 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $30,676 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Middle Georgia State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $35,225 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,863. Set against $35,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Middle Georgia State University profile
Southern New Hampshire University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,200. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $24,338. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Set against $24,338 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern New Hampshire University report
Texas A And M University Central Texas landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $22,688. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Central Texas
West Liberty University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Liberty, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,893 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,442. West Liberty University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on West Liberty University
Youngstown State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Eastern Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Mayville State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $27,926. Mayville State University alumni report median earnings of $47,828 a decade after entry. Set against $27,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Mayville State University profile
Southeast Missouri State University placed #37 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $26,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Maryland University College placed #38 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $14,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,106 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $27,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
University Of Memphis landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $38,972 in student loans. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $38,972 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit school based in Ponce, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,650. Students borrow a median of $19,040 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,908 ten years after entry. Set against $19,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Maria College Of Albany ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Albany, NY, Maria College Of Albany is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,740 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,420 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,458. Set against $29,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Maria College Of Albany admits about 44% of applicants. Get the full Maria College Of Albany report
Northwestern Oklahoma State University placed #44 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Alva, OK, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,970 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,664. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,460. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,358. Set against $25,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Morgan State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $32,512. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,512 median debt. Morgan State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Morgan State University
William Jewell College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Liberty, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,610. William Jewell College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $26,831 in debt. William Jewell College alumni report median earnings of $59,268 a decade after entry. Set against $26,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full William Jewell College report
Athens State University placed #47 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,020, compared with $17,700 for out-of-state students. Athens State University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $27,839 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,273 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Athens State University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,839 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Whitworth University Adult Degree Programs ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,560. Students borrow a median of $36,988 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $36,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Whitworth University Adult Degree Programs
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #51 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $25,993 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Related Liberal Arts And General Studies Value Rankings
Explore 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 Associate’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
This list is compiled 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).
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.