2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $6,195 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $6,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
Metropolitan State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Students borrow a median of $32,145 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $32,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Fort Hays State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,592. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,592 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $19,052 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $19,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Western Illinois University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Western Illinois University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Texas A And M University Central Texas placed #7 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Killeen, TX. 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. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Central Texas report
Tiffin University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tiffin, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,790. Tiffin University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $30,977 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,942 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tiffin University
Adams State College placed #9 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Alamosa, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,824, with out-of-state students paying around $21,944. Students borrow a median of $24,879 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Adams State College alumni report median earnings of $44,372 a decade after entry. Set against $24,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Adams State College
Wayland Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,782. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $24,258. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayland Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Wayland Baptist University profile
Henderson State University placed #11 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Arkadelphia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Henderson State University report
University Of St Thomas Texas landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,634. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,224. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of St Thomas Texas
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $42,350 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,350 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Depaul University report
Excelsior College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $10,536. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Excelsior College
Mount St Marys College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $17,500. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Mount St Marys College
St Johns College Maryland landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Annapolis, MD, St Johns College Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,684. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,584 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full St Johns College Maryland profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. 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. Set against $25,993 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
North Central College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,726. Graduates carry a median of $25,699 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,123. Set against $25,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Central College has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on North Central College
Villanova University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Villanova University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Villanova University
Dominican University Of California ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,161. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,713. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Dominican University Of California admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Dominican University Of California
University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Graduates carry a median of $29,467 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Set against $29,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report
Clayton State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Morrow, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,180, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $37,588 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,179. That is a strong return on a $37,588 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Clayton State University
Arkansas Tech University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $24,100. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,766. That is a strong return on a $24,100 median debt. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $38,972 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Northern Kentucky University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $25,813. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,220. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Evansville, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $17,707. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,605 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Indiana has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Southern Indiana report
Stony Brook University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $20,537. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stony Brook University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $30,676 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $30,676 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Tennessee Technological University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Tennessee Technological University
Wichita State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,694 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Set against $24,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Indiana University South Bend landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Indiana University South Bend Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $25,319 in debt. Indiana University South Bend alumni report median earnings of $44,947 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,319 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Indiana University South Bend
University Of Delaware landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware
San Francisco State University placed #35 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $15,467 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,467 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on San Francisco State University
Drexel University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $27,154. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Drexel University report
Austin Peay State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Austin Peay State University is a public school based in Clarksville, TN. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Graduates carry a median of $22,314 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,301. Set against $22,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Austin Peay State University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $23,011. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,011 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Alcorn State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,785 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $39,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,421 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
California State University Northridge came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Northridge
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Tennessee State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Tennessee State University is a public school based in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $38,562. Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $42,730 a decade after entry. Set against $38,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Tennessee State University report
San Diego State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,496 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $12,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Saint Marys College Of California came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moraga, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,803. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $27,000. Saint Marys College Of California alumni report median earnings of $78,812 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys College Of California admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California
Middle Tennessee State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,723 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
Indiana University Northwest landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Indiana University Northwest
Rutgers University Camden landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Rutgers University Camden is a public school based in Camden, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Rutgers University Camden alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University Camden admits about 66% of applicants. More on Rutgers University Camden
Oakland University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Oakland University
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Texas Christian University alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. More on Texas Christian University
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Montana State University Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $19,268 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Set against $19,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Montana State University
Related Liberal Arts And General Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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