2026 Best Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2221 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Delgado Community College this year in the United States. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Students borrow a median of $24,601 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. Set against $24,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delgado Community College report
You'll get strong value at Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas, which ranked #2 this year. Located in De Queen, AR, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $5,190. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $7,018. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $33,775 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest Arkansas Community College landed the #2 spot. Based in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,342 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,876. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,876 median debt. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
You'll get strong value at Arkansas State University Newport, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $8,883. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. Set against $8,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Louisiana Delta Community College landed the #5 spot. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,159. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Louisiana Delta Community College report
Arkansas Northeastern College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Blytheville, AR, Arkansas Northeastern College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,570, with out-of-state students paying around $4,250. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,440. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,169 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,440 median debt. Get the full Arkansas Northeastern College report
Central Arizona College placed #7 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Students borrow a median of $10,680 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $40,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Arizona College
Grayson College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $8,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,873. Set against $8,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grayson College
Baton Rouge Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,321. Graduates carry a median of $17,300 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,300 median debt. Read more about Baton Rouge Community College
College Of Western Idaho ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. College Of Western Idaho is a public school based in Nampa, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Students borrow a median of $13,083 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
South Louisiana Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,210. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $18,278. South Louisiana Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,432 a decade after entry. Set against $18,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Louisiana Community College report
Mid South Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Mid South Community College is a public school based in West Memphis, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,126, compared with $4,824 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,857 ten years after entry. Read more about Mid South Community College
Arkansas State University Beebe placed #13 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Beebe, AR, Arkansas State University Beebe is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,336 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,232. Graduates carry a median of $9,156 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,603 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Arkansas State University Beebe
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton placed #14 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Based in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,950 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,924 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton report
East Arkansas Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Forrest City, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,380 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $28,471. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. Read the full report on East Arkansas Community College
New Mexico State University Grants landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, 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. Get the full New Mexico State University Grants report
Dakota College At Bottineau landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bottineau, ND, Dakota College At Bottineau is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,388, with out-of-state students paying around $6,294. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,576. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Dakota College At Bottineau profile
Los Angeles Valley College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Valley Glen, CA, Los Angeles Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,125. Los Angeles Valley College alumni report median earnings of $42,678 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,125 median debt. Read the full report on Los Angeles Valley College
New Mexico State University Carlsbad landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $10,497. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Washtenaw Community College placed #20 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Washtenaw Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,736, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,511 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,449. That is a strong return on a $11,511 median debt. Read the full report on Washtenaw Community College
Merced College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Merced College is a public school based in Merced, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,200, compared with $8,520 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,300 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,815 ten years after entry. Set against $9,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Merced College profile
South Arkansas Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in El Dorado, AR, South Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,324, compared with $5,532 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,650 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,521. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about South Arkansas Community College
Cuesta College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Cuesta College is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,010 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $18,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,047. That is a strong return on a $18,958 median debt. Read the full report on Cuesta College
College Of Southern Maryland placed #23 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in La Plata, MD, College Of Southern Maryland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $9,450. College Of Southern Maryland Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $9,456 in debt. College Of Southern Maryland alumni report median earnings of $44,435 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,456 median debt. More on College Of Southern Maryland
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kansas City, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Students borrow a median of $8,911 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Set against $8,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts And General Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Santa Ana College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Santa Ana College is a public school based in Santa Ana, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Santa Ana College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $7,014 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,014 median debt. See the full Santa Ana College profile
Paris Junior College placed #27 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Located in Paris, TX, Paris Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,700, with out-of-state students paying around $5,700. Graduates carry a median of $6,163 in student loans. Paris Junior College alumni report median earnings of $36,515 a decade after entry. Set against $6,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Paris Junior College
East Los Angeles College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Students borrow a median of $6,193 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. East Los Angeles College alumni report median earnings of $42,006 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full East Los Angeles College report
Black Hawk College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Black Hawk College is a public school based in Moline, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, while out-of-state students pay about $8,100. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $8,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Black Hawk College
Cochise College placed #30 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Sierra Vista, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $9,957. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,033. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cochise College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,026 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Set against $10,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Pulaski Technical College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Pulaski Technical College is a public school based in North Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $9,450. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $16,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,722. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. Read more about Pulaski Technical College
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #33 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,322, while out-of-state students pay about $6,360. New Mexico State University Dona Ana Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,497 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Vernon College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Vernon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,720, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Vernon College profile
Los Angeles Harbor College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Wilmington, CA, Los Angeles Harbor College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,568. Los Angeles Harbor College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $6,625 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Los Angeles Harbor College report
Los Angeles City College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Los Angeles City College is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $9,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,190 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,148 median debt. More on Los Angeles City College
Bossier Parish Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Based in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,268 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bossier Parish Community College
Owens Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Owens Community College is a public school based in Perrysburg, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $21,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,275. That is a strong return on a $21,024 median debt. See the full Owens Community College profile
Pima Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Pima Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $8,939 in debt. Pima Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Chaffey College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Chaffey College is a public school based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,184, compared with $11,120 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,252 to complete their Liberal Arts And General Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,975 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chaffey College profile
Evergreen Valley College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,366, with out-of-state students paying around $8,718. Evergreen Valley College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $12,981 in debt. Evergreen Valley College alumni report median earnings of $53,077 a decade after entry. Set against $12,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Evergreen Valley College
Delta College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,820, compared with $7,880 for out-of-state students. Delta College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $10,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,781. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delta College
National Park Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Hot Springs, AR, National Park Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,600, with out-of-state students paying around $7,280. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $15,506. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,444. That is a strong return on a $15,506 median debt. Get the full National Park Community College report
Blue Ridge Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Martinsburg, WV, Blue Ridge Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,752, while out-of-state students pay about $8,808. Typical Liberal Arts And General Studies student debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,293. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. More on Blue Ridge Community And Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Get the full Central New Mexico Community College report
Los Angeles Mission College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. Set in Sylmar, CA, Los Angeles Mission College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,834. See the full Los Angeles Mission College profile
Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools. This public school is set in Helena, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $4,550. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,552. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Shawnee Community College placed #48 among the best-value Liberal Arts And General Studies schools in the United States. Shawnee Community College is a public school based in Ullin, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,500. Shawnee Community College Liberal Arts And General Studies students take on a median of $11,162 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,999. That is a strong return on a $11,162 median debt. Read more about Shawnee Community College
Orange Coast College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,392, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. The median Liberal Arts And General Studies program debt is $6,955. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,348 ten years after entry. Set against $6,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Orange Coast College report
Ventura College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ventura, CA, Ventura College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,430. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ventura College profile
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 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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2221 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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