2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities school in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $6,195. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $6,195 median debt. More on American Public University System
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #2 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Based 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. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Thomas Edison State College landed the #3 spot. Set in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,838, while out-of-state students pay about $8,856. Students borrow a median of $17,883 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,331 ten years after entry. Set against $17,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College
A rank of #4 makes Columbia College Missouri one of the best values in the United States. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $23,309. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
You'll get strong value at Excelsior College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Graduates carry a median of $10,536 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,493 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Excelsior College
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #7 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $22,552 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $22,717. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,717 median debt. See the full National University profile
Charter Oak State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New Britain, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,506. Students borrow a median of $20,205 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Charter Oak State College alumni report median earnings of $64,209 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Charter Oak State College
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Western Illinois University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $28,750. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $16,706 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,706 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Students borrow a median of $25,844 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,844 median debt. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
South Dakota State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $20,866 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University
Metropolitan State University placed #15 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $32,145 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $32,145 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Ashford University placed #15 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $31,500. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. Set against $31,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ashford University profile
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $23,250. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Baker College Of Flint landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,000. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $44,313. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Baker College Of Flint
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $21,532 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $21,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Minot, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $29,147. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $29,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minot State University profile
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,736. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wilmington University
West Virginia University At Parkersburg landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. West Virginia University At Parkersburg is a public school based in Parkersburg, WV. Students from in state pay about $5,476 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,424. West Virginia University At Parkersburg Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $15,084 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,171 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,084 median debt. Read more about West Virginia University At Parkersburg
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,592 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $25,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
University Of North Dakota ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,901 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arecibo, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,550. Graduates carry a median of $19,040 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,908 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Mississippi University For Women placed #26 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Mississippi University For Women Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $29,673 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Potomac State College Of West Virginia University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Keyser, WV, Potomac State College Of West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,200 for out-of-state students. Potomac State College Of West Virginia University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Potomac State College Of West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Potomac State College Of West Virginia University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $30,676 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $30,676 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Middle Georgia State University placed #30 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,038, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $35,225. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Middle Georgia State University
Southern New Hampshire University placed #31 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,200. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,338. Median earnings reach $50,318 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern New Hampshire University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Southern New Hampshire University profile
Texas A And M University Central Texas landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,155. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $22,688. Texas A And M University Central Texas has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Texas A And M University Central Texas profile
West Liberty University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. West Liberty University is a public school based in West Liberty, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,893 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,442. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about West Liberty University
Youngstown State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Eastern Illinois University placed #35 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. More on Eastern Illinois University
Mayville State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Students borrow a median of $27,926 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. Set against $27,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mayville State University report
Southeast Missouri State University placed #37 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Southeast Missouri State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $26,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,375 median debt. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
University Of Central Missouri came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $27,106. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. Set against $27,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Missouri profile
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $38,972. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Ferris State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Ferris State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Ferris State University
Maria College Of Albany ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Albany, NY, Maria College Of Albany is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,740. Maria College Of Albany Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $29,420 in debt. Maria College Of Albany alumni report median earnings of $55,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Maria College Of Albany has an acceptance rate of 44%. More on Maria College Of Albany
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,650. Graduates carry a median of $19,040 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Morgan State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Morgan State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $32,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Morgan State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Alva, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $5,970, compared with $11,664 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,460 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,358 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,460 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwestern Oklahoma State University
William Jewell College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Liberty, MO, William Jewell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,610. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $26,831. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Jewell College has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on William Jewell College
Athens State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,020, with out-of-state students paying around $17,700. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,839. Median earnings reach $50,273 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,839 median debt. Read the full report on Athens State University
Northern Illinois University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $30,839. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Whitworth University Adult Degree Programs landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University Adult Degree Programs is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,560. Graduates carry a median of $36,988 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Set against $36,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Whitworth University Adult Degree Programs
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,993 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Related Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Associate’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
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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