2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Sciences Humanities Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Haskell Indian Nations University to be the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities school in the United States. Haskell Indian Nations University is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $600. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,043 ten years after entry. Haskell Indian Nations University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Haskell Indian Nations University profile
You'll get strong value at New Mexico Junior College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,440, with out-of-state students paying around $2,280. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,500. Median earnings reach $34,233 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. Get the full New Mexico Junior College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #3 place in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #4 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $6,195. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Highland Community College Highland landed the #5 spot. Highland Community College Highland is a public school based in Highland, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $4,495. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,291. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Highland Community College Highland
Columbia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Students borrow a median of $15,923 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Leech Lake Tribal College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Cass Lake, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,163. See the full Leech Lake Tribal College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area placed #8 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Graduates carry a median of $10,214 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
North Hennepin Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,061. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $13,830. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,142. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on North Hennepin Community College
Anoka Ramsey Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public school based in Coon Rapids, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,682. Graduates carry a median of $12,943 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. Set against $12,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Anoka Ramsey Community College report
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $9,700 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. Set against $9,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Collin County Community College District placed #12 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in McKinney, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. That is a strong return on a $9,250 median debt. Get the full Collin County Community College District report
Rochester Community And Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,389. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #14 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $15,111 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
New Mexico State University Carlsbad placed #15 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Carlsbad, NM, New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, compared with $4,008 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,497. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Northwest Arkansas Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,876 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,505 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northwest Arkansas Community College
Normandale Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,329. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,778. Median earnings reach $50,207 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex placed #17 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,750. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $10,700 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $10,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex admits about 100% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex
Seattle Community College South Campus placed #19 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Seattle Community College South Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,208 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Median earnings reach $44,486 ten years out. Read more about Seattle Community College South Campus
Cascadia Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Cascadia Community College is a public school based in Bothell, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,157, compared with $11,296 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,133. That is a strong return on a $7,000 median debt. Read the full report on Cascadia Community College
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,289. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Garden City Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,690, compared with $4,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,400 median debt. See the full Garden City Community College profile
Century College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,264. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $14,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Century College
Central Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Central Community College is a public school based in Grand Island, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,313 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,429 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Community College
Cloud County Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Concordia, KS, Cloud County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,540, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,883 ten years after entry. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cloud County Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northwest Iowa Community College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,350, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,414. Northwest Iowa Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,776 a decade after entry. Set against $8,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Iowa Community College report
El Centro College placed #27 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. More on El Centro College
Amarillo College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,704. Amarillo College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $13,830 in debt. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,830 median debt. See the full Amarillo College profile
Highline Community College placed #29 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Highline Community College is a public school based in Des Moines, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,772 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,678 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,869 ten years after entry. Set against $6,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Highline Community College
Labette Community College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Labette Community College is a public school based in Parsons, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,064 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,864. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,500. Median earnings reach $37,818 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Labette Community College
New Mexico State University Grants placed #31 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Grants is a public school based in Grants, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. New Mexico State University Grants Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $10,497 in debt. New Mexico State University Grants alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on New Mexico State University Grants
Delgado Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,601. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
Lake Superior College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees. Lake Superior College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,449. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Superior College
Tyler Junior College placed #34 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,010. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,010 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Inver Hills Community College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,575. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. Set against $14,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Barton County Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,680 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,960. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,428. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Barton County Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,289. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Coahoma Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,490. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $6,601. Median earnings reach $24,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,601 median debt. See the full Coahoma Community College profile
Camden County College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,789. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,789 median debt. Read more about Camden County College
Odessa College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Odessa College is a public school based in Odessa, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,688, while out-of-state students pay about $4,926. Odessa College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,026 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Read the full report on Odessa College
Fort Scott Community College placed #41 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Fort Scott Community College is a public school based in Fort Scott, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $3,840. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $9,638. Median earnings reach $37,213 ten years out. Set against $9,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fort Scott Community College profile
Mclennan Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $12,843. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. See the full Mclennan Community College profile
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in De Queen, AR, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,190 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,018. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $33,775 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,018 median debt. Get the full Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas report
Mid Plains Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in North Platte, NE, Mid Plains Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, while out-of-state students pay about $4,530. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $8,817. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,059 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mid Plains Community College
College Of The Mainland ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $12,843. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Northwest Indian College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellingham, WA, Northwest Indian College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,365. Median earnings reach $35,447 ten years out. Get the full Northwest Indian College report
Central Lakes College Brainerd came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,249. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,162. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Lakes College Brainerd
Lone Star College System placed #49 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Lone Star College System Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $9,689 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $9,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lone Star College System
Wayne County Community College District ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $17,154. Median earnings reach $29,079 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,154 median debt. Read the full report on Wayne County Community College District
Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities 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).
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