2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2221 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found American Public University System to be the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities school in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $6,195 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,195 median debt. More on American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $32,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Fort Hays State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,592 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,592 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $19,052 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $19,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $31,000. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Western Illinois University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Texas A And M University Central Texas came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,363, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. Graduates carry a median of $22,688 in student loans. Texas A And M University Central Texas has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on Texas A And M University Central Texas
Tiffin University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Tiffin, OH, Tiffin University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,790. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $30,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,942 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,977 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Tiffin University
Adams State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Alamosa, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,824, while out-of-state students pay about $21,944. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $24,879. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,372 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Adams State College report
Wayland Baptist University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,782. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $24,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,838. That is a strong return on a $24,258 median debt. Wayland Baptist University admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about Wayland Baptist University
Henderson State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Henderson State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Read more about Henderson State University
University Of St Thomas Texas landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,634. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of St Thomas Texas report
Depaul University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $42,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $42,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Depaul University
Excelsior College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,536. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Excelsior College
Mount St Marys College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mount St Marys College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,993. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,993 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
St Johns College Maryland ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. St Johns College Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Annapolis, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,684. St Johns College Maryland Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Johns College Maryland has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full St Johns College Maryland report
North Central College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,726. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $25,699. North Central College alumni report median earnings of $60,123 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Central College
Villanova University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $25,000. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full Villanova University report
Dominican University Of California placed #20 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,161. Dominican University Of California Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Dominican University Of California profile
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #21 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,467 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,467 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Springfield
Clayton State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morrow, GA, Clayton State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,180, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $37,588 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Clayton State University alumni report median earnings of $49,179 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clayton State University
Arkansas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Students borrow a median of $24,100 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,766. 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 Arkansas Tech University
University Of Memphis came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $38,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $25,813. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,220 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Kentucky University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Southern Indiana ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. University Of Southern Indiana is a public school based in Evansville, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,066, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. University Of Southern Indiana Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $17,707 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,605 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,707 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on University Of Southern Indiana
Stony Brook University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Stony Brook University is a public school based in Stony Brook, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $30,676 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Tennessee Technological University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cookeville, TN. Students from in state pay about $11,376 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Wichita State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,694. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Indiana University South Bend offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Indiana University South Bend is a public school based in South Bend, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Indiana University South Bend Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $25,319 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,947 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,319 median debt. Indiana University South Bend has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Indiana University South Bend
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,500. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Drexel University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,154 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $27,154 median debt. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. More on Drexel University
San Francisco State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $15,467 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Set against $15,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about San Francisco State University
Austin Peay State University placed #37 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Austin Peay State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $22,314 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,301. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Austin Peay State University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $23,011. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Set against $23,011 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Alcorn State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Alcorn State University is a public school based in Alcorn State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,785. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $39,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full Alcorn State University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
California State University Northridge came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Northridge profile
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,265. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Tennessee State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,416. Students borrow a median of $38,562 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $42,730 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Tennessee State University
San Diego State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $12,496 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $12,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Saint Marys College Of California landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit school based in Moraga, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,803. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,812. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Marys College Of California admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Saint Marys College Of California profile
Middle Tennessee State University placed #46 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $29,723. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
Indiana University Northwest ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Indiana University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $43,361 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Indiana University Northwest
Rutgers University Camden ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Rutgers University Camden Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University Camden has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Rutgers University Camden
Oakland University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Oakland University Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Oakland University
Texas Christian University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read more about Texas Christian University
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $19,268. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,263 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montana State University
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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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).