2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2221 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated 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 Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Lake Region State College to be the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities school in the United States. Lake Region State College is a public school based in Devils Lake, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,697. Median earnings reach $49,502 ten years out. Set against $11,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lake Region State College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chesapeake College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Wye Mills, MD, Chesapeake College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,274, while out-of-state students pay about $8,768. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,301. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Chesapeake College
A rank of #3 makes Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Orangeburg, SC, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,210, compared with $8,354 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $19,407. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,761 a decade after entry. Set against $19,407 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College profile
A rank of #4 makes Dakota College At Bottineau one of the best values in the United States. Dakota College At Bottineau is a public school based in Bottineau, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,294 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $40,576 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Dakota College At Bottineau
A rank of #5 makes Metropolitan Community College Area one of the best values in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $10,214. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. That is a strong return on a $10,214 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Johnson County Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,700 in student loans. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $9,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Ridgewater College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,389. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ridgewater College
Normandale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Normandale Community College is a public school based in Bloomington, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,329. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $12,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Normandale Community College
George C Wallace State Community College Dothan placed #9 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Dothan, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Dothan is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,980, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,399 ten years after entry. Set against $9,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about George C Wallace State Community College Dothan
Southern Union State Community College placed #10 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Wadley, AL, Southern Union State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,030, while out-of-state students pay about $8,874. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $9,860. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,597 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southern Union State Community College
John C Calhoun State Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tanner, AL, John C Calhoun State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,120, compared with $8,990 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,236. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,192 ten years after entry. Set against $11,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on John C Calhoun State Community College
Piedmont Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,775, compared with $6,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,768 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Read the full report on Piedmont Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $6,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Cerritos College placed #14 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Graduates carry a median of $9,750 in student loans. Cerritos College alumni report median earnings of $41,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Northwest Shoals Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Muscle Shoals, AL, Northwest Shoals Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,131 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,001 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. Northwest Shoals Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,828 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northwest Shoals Community College
Tri County Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Pendleton, SC, Tri County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,448, compared with $12,007 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,101 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tri County Technical College profile
Umpqua Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Roseburg, OR, Umpqua Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,104. Students borrow a median of $10,437 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,676. Set against $10,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Umpqua Community College
St Charles Community College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. St Charles Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,422 a decade after entry. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full St Charles Community College report
San Bernardino Valley College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. San Bernardino Valley College is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,196, compared with $4,528 for out-of-state students. San Bernardino Valley College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. San Bernardino Valley College alumni report median earnings of $39,676 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on San Bernardino Valley College
Mesa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Mesa, AZ, Mesa Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Mesa Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,034 ten years out. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Mesa Community College
Golden West College placed #21 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,380, with out-of-state students paying around $11,628. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,145. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. More on Golden West College
Beaufort County Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, NC, Beaufort County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,540, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,947. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,519. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Beaufort County Community College
Miracosta College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oceanside, CA, Miracosta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,158, with out-of-state students paying around $9,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,845. Get the full Miracosta College report
Waubonsee Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Waubonsee Community College is a public school based in Sugar Grove, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,504, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,788. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waubonsee Community College
Isothermal Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Spindale, NC, Isothermal Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,030 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $33,325 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Read the full report on Isothermal Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
York Technical College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. York Technical College is a public school based in Rock Hill, SC. Students from in state pay about $8,036 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,340. Graduates carry a median of $8,090 in student loans. York Technical College alumni report median earnings of $37,257 a decade after entry. Set against $8,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full York Technical College profile
Western Wyoming Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Rock Springs, WY, Western Wyoming Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, compared with $10,530 for out-of-state students. Western Wyoming Community College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $16,175 in debt. Western Wyoming Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,175 median debt. Read the full report on Western Wyoming Community College
Raritan Valley Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Branchburg, NJ, Raritan Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,145 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Raritan Valley Community College
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #29 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based 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. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $19,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $21,532. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $21,532 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Pima Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,939 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Pima Community College profile
Aiken Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Graniteville, SC, Aiken Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,174, while out-of-state students pay about $7,924. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $13,325. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,225. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Aiken Technical College
Frederick Community College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Frederick, MD, Frederick Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,849, while out-of-state students pay about $10,042. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,935. Median earnings reach $46,449 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Frederick Community College
Los Angeles Mission College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sylmar, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,834. Read more about Los Angeles Mission College
Midlands Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in West Columbia, SC, Midlands Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $14,700. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $14,550. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,701. Set against $14,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Midlands Technical College
Sussex County Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Sussex County Community College is a public school based in Newton, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,544, with out-of-state students paying around $9,024. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $11,375. Median earnings reach $44,664 ten years out. Set against $11,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sussex County Community College
West Hills College Lemoore landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lemoore, CA, West Hills College Lemoore is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,384 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,954. Students borrow a median of $9,250 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,292 ten years after entry. Set against $9,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full West Hills College Lemoore report
Mayville State University placed #39 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Mayville State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,926 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,828 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mayville State University profile
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #40 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $8,911 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,796. That is a strong return on a $8,911 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City profile
Vincennes University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Vincennes, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,126, compared with $16,858 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,079 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,110. Set against $12,079 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Vincennes University report
Northern Virginia Community College placed #42 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,557 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,875 median debt. Read the full report on Northern Virginia Community College
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,675 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Dabney S Lancaster Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Clifton Forge, VA, Dabney S Lancaster Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,022 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,460. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,293. See the full Dabney S Lancaster Community College profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,993 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Mt San Jacinto Community College District placed #46 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jacinto, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,448, with out-of-state students paying around $12,728. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $6,600. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,319. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mt San Jacinto Community College District report
Kansas State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $23,011. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Central Alabama Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Alabama Community College is a public school based in Alexander City, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,110, while out-of-state students pay about $8,980. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $9,911. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Alabama Community College
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $22,251. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Imperial Valley College placed #51 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Imperial, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,126, compared with $8,830 for out-of-state students. Imperial Valley College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $6,176 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,487 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Imperial Valley College
Related Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Schools (All Levels)
- 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. 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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