2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Lake Region State College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,520. Students borrow a median of $11,697 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Lake Region State College alumni report median earnings of $49,502 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Region State College
Chesapeake College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Wye Mills, MD, Chesapeake College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,274 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,768 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,301 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Chesapeake College
A rank of #3 makes Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Orangeburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,210, compared with $8,354 for out-of-state students. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $19,407 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,761 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,407 median debt. Read more about Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dakota College At Bottineau earned it the #4 place in the United States. Dakota College At Bottineau is a public school based in Bottineau, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,388 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,294. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,576 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. More on Dakota College At Bottineau
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #5 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,214 in debt. 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. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Johnson County Community College placed #6 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Johnson County Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $9,700 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $9,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Johnson County Community College profile
Ridgewater College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $11,389. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ridgewater College report
Normandale Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Normandale Community College is a public school based in Bloomington, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,329. Students borrow a median of $12,778 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,778 median debt. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
George C Wallace State Community College Dothan placed #9 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Dothan, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,980, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $9,942. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,399. That is a strong return on a $9,942 median debt. Read more about George C Wallace State Community College Dothan
Southern Union State Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wadley, AL, Southern Union State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $8,874. Graduates carry a median of $9,860 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,597. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southern Union State Community College report
John C Calhoun State Community College placed #11 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Tanner, AL, John C Calhoun State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,990 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,236 in student loans. John C Calhoun State Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,192 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on John C Calhoun State Community College
Piedmont Technical College placed #12 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,768 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Piedmont Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Cerritos College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cerritos College report
Northwest Shoals Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Muscle Shoals, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,131, while out-of-state students pay about $9,001. Northwest Shoals Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northwest Shoals Community College report
Tri County Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Pendleton, SC, Tri County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,448 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,007 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $8,750. Tri County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,101 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tri County Technical College
Umpqua Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Roseburg, OR, Umpqua Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,104. Umpqua Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,437 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,676. That is a strong return on a $10,437 median debt. Read more about Umpqua Community College
St Charles Community College placed #18 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. St Charles Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,422 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. Read the full report on St Charles Community College
San Bernardino Valley College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. San Bernardino Valley College is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,196, with out-of-state students paying around $4,528. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,676 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Read more about San Bernardino Valley College
Mesa Community College placed #20 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Mesa Community College is a public school based in Mesa, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $10,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,034. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mesa Community College
Golden West College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,380, compared with $11,628 for out-of-state students. Golden West College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Golden West College alumni report median earnings of $43,145 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Golden West College
Beaufort County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Beaufort County Community College is a public school based in Washington, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,540 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $7,947. Beaufort County Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,519 a decade after entry. Set against $7,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Beaufort County Community College
Miracosta College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oceanside, CA, Miracosta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,158, with out-of-state students paying around $9,750. Median earnings reach $43,845 ten years out. Read more about Miracosta College
Waubonsee Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sugar Grove, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,504, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Waubonsee Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $7,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,788. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt. More on Waubonsee Community College
Isothermal Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Isothermal Community College is a public school based in Spindale, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,030, compared with $6,638 for out-of-state students. Isothermal Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $6,625 in debt. Isothermal Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,325 a decade after entry. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Isothermal Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
York Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Rock Hill, SC, York Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,036, compared with $13,340 for out-of-state students. York Technical College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,090 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,257. That is a strong return on a $8,090 median debt. Get the full York Technical College report
Raritan Valley Community College placed #27 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Raritan Valley Community College is a public school based in Branchburg, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,584. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Raritan Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,145 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Raritan Valley Community College
Western Wyoming Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Rock Springs, WY, Western Wyoming Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $10,530. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $16,175. Median earnings reach $40,939 ten years out. Set against $16,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Wyoming Community College
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $21,532 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $21,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,528. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Pima Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $8,939. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. That is a strong return on a $8,939 median debt. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Aiken Technical College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Graniteville, SC, Aiken Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,174, with out-of-state students paying around $7,924. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $13,325. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,225. Set against $13,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Aiken Technical College
Frederick Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Frederick, MD, Frederick Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,849, while out-of-state students pay about $10,042. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $8,935. Frederick Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,449 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Frederick Community College
Los Angeles Mission College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Los Angeles Mission College is a public school based in Sylmar, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,834. Read the full report on Los Angeles Mission College
Midlands Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in West Columbia, SC. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,700. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $14,550. Median earnings reach $38,701 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,550 median debt. More on Midlands Technical College
Sussex County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Newton, NJ, Sussex County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,544, while out-of-state students pay about $9,024. Sussex County Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $11,375 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,664. Set against $11,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sussex County Community College
West Hills College Lemoore ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Lemoore, CA, West Hills College Lemoore is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,384, with out-of-state students paying around $10,954. Students borrow a median of $9,250 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,292. Set against $9,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full West Hills College Lemoore profile
Mayville State University placed #39 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $27,926. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,828 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,926 median debt. More on Mayville State University
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #40 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kansas City, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,911 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,796. Set against $8,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City report
Vincennes University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,858. Students borrow a median of $12,079 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,110. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Vincennes University
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Graduates carry a median of $10,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. That is a strong return on a $10,875 median debt. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #43 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Students borrow a median of $20,675 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Set against $20,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Dabney S Lancaster Community College placed #44 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clifton Forge, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,022, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,293 ten years after entry. More on Dabney S Lancaster Community College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $25,993. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Mt San Jacinto Community College District placed #46 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a public school based in San Jacinto, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,448 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $6,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,319. Set against $6,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mt San Jacinto Community College District report
Kansas State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $23,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $23,011 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,011 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Central Alabama Community College placed #49 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Alexander City, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,980. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $9,911. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,506. Set against $9,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Alabama Community College report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #50 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Students borrow a median of $22,251 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,251 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Imperial Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Imperial Valley College is a public school based in Imperial, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,126, with out-of-state students paying around $8,830. Students borrow a median of $6,176 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $34,487 ten years out. Set against $6,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Imperial Valley College report
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 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. 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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