2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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 analyzed schools to build 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Haskell Indian Nations University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities associate's degree schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, Haskell Indian Nations University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $600. Haskell Indian Nations University alumni report median earnings of $37,043 a decade after entry. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Haskell Indian Nations University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Mexico Junior College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Hobbs, NM, New Mexico Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, while out-of-state students pay about $2,280. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,233. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on New Mexico Junior College
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, American Public University System landed the #4 spot. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Students borrow a median of $6,195 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Set against $6,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Highland Community College Highland earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Highland, KS, Highland Community College Highland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,495. Highland Community College Highland Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,291. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Highland Community College Highland profile
Columbia Southern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,923 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $15,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
Leech Lake Tribal College placed #7 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Cass Lake, MN, Leech Lake Tribal College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,163. See the full Leech Lake Tribal College profile
Metropolitan Community College Area offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Students borrow a median of $10,214 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $10,214 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
North Hennepin Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Brooklyn Park, MN, North Hennepin Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,061. North Hennepin Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $13,830 in debt. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
Anoka Ramsey Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Coon Rapids, MN, Anoka Ramsey Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,682. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,943. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Anoka Ramsey Community College
Johnson County Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,700. 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. More on Johnson County Community College
Collin County Community College District placed #12 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
Rochester Community And Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Rochester, MN, Rochester Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,389 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $13,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,287. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rochester Community And Technical College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,111 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $46,874 ten years out. Set against $15,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Students borrow a median of $10,876 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $43,505 ten years out. Set against $10,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Arkansas Community College report
New Mexico State University Carlsbad landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carlsbad, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $10,497 in debt. More on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Normandale Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bloomington, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,329. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $12,778. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Normandale Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,750. Graduates carry a median of $10,700 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Set against $10,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Flex profile
Cascadia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Cascadia Community College is a public school based in Bothell, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,157 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,296. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,000. Median earnings reach $54,133 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,000 median debt. Read the full report on Cascadia Community College
Seattle Community College South Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,208, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,486. See the full Seattle Community College South Campus profile
Northland Community And Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,875. Northland Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,425 a decade after entry. Set against $14,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northland Community And Technical College
Garden City Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Garden City, KS, Garden City Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,690, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. Garden City Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $8,400 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,704. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Garden City Community College profile
Century College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,264. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Century College report
Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,313. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,429. That is a strong return on a $8,313 median debt. Read the full report on Central Community College
Cloud County Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program 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. See the full Cloud County Community College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $8,414 in student loans. Northwest Iowa Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,776 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northwest Iowa Community College
El Centro College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read the full report on El Centro College
New Mexico State University Grants ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,272. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $10,497. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Grants
Amarillo College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,830 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Set against $13,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Amarillo College profile
Highline Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. 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. See the full Highline Community College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,289. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Labette Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Parsons, KS, Labette Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,064 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,500. Median earnings reach $37,818 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. More on Labette Community College
Lake Superior College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, Lake Superior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,449. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Get the full Lake Superior College report
Mid South Community College placed #34 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in West Memphis, AR, Mid South Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,126, with out-of-state students paying around $4,824. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,857. Read the full report on Mid South Community College
Tyler Junior College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Students borrow a median of $11,010 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Tyler Junior College alumni report median earnings of $38,140 a decade after entry. Set against $11,010 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tyler Junior College
Inver Hills Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Inver Grove Heights, MN, Inver Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Students borrow a median of $14,575 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,898 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,575 median debt. Read more about Inver Hills Community College
Barton County Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,680, with out-of-state students paying around $4,960. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years out. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Barton County Community College report
Coahoma Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarksdale, MS, Coahoma Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,490. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,601. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,289 ten years after entry. Set against $6,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Coahoma Community College
Camden County College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,789 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Set against $9,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Camden County College
Odessa College placed #40 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Odessa, TX, Odessa College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,926. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Odessa College alumni report median earnings of $42,026 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Odessa College
Fort Scott Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Fort Scott, KS, Fort Scott Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $3,840 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,638 in student loans. Fort Scott Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,213 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fort Scott Community College profile
Mclennan Community College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,163 ten years after entry. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mclennan Community College
Mid Plains Community College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in North Platte, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $4,530. Graduates carry a median of $8,817 in student loans. 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. More on Mid Plains Community College
College Of The Mainland landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of The Mainland
Oakland Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oakland Community College
Northwest Indian College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Bellingham, WA, Northwest Indian College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,365. Median earnings reach $35,447 ten years out. More on Northwest Indian College
Central Lakes College Brainerd ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Brainerd, MN, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Get the full Central Lakes College Brainerd report
Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in De Queen, AR, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $5,190. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,018. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,775. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas report
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Students borrow a median of $9,689 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report 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. Based in Detroit, MI, Wayne County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, while out-of-state students pay about $4,067. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $17,154. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne County Community College District report
Related Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
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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