2026 Best Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 reviewed 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Delgado Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities undergraduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $24,601. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Delgado Community College
A rank of #2 makes Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas one of the best values in the United States. Set in De Queen, AR, Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,190. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,018. Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $33,775 a decade after entry. Set against $7,018 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cossatot Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities ranking in the United States. Based in Bentonville, AR, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,342, with out-of-state students paying around $5,238. Graduates carry a median of $10,876 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. That is a strong return on a $10,876 median debt. Read more about Northwest Arkansas Community College
Out of the 2221 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arkansas State University Newport landed the #4 spot. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $8,883. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. Set against $8,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Arkansas State University Newport
You'll get strong value at Louisiana Delta Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,159 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,438. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Louisiana Delta Community College report
Arkansas Northeastern College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Blytheville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,570, compared with $4,250 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,440. Arkansas Northeastern College alumni report median earnings of $33,169 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,440 median debt. See the full Arkansas Northeastern College profile
Central Arizona College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Coolidge, AZ, Central Arizona College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,250 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,500. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,680. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,513. Set against $10,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Arizona College
Grayson College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $8,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,873. Set against $8,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Grayson College report
Baton Rouge Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Baton Rouge Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,321. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $17,300. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,581. Set against $17,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Baton Rouge Community College report
College Of Western Idaho came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. College Of Western Idaho Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $13,083 in debt. See the full College Of Western Idaho profile
South Louisiana Community College placed #11 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lafayette, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,210. Graduates carry a median of $18,278 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Louisiana Community College
Mid South Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,857 ten years after entry. See the full Mid South Community College profile
Arkansas State University Beebe came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Beebe, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $9,156. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,603. That is a strong return on a $9,156 median debt. See the full Arkansas State University Beebe profile
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Morrilton, AR, University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $4,728. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $8,950. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,924. Set against $8,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
East Arkansas Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Located in Forrest City, AR, East Arkansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,380 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. East Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $28,471 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on East Arkansas Community College
New Mexico State University Grants came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,272 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $10,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full New Mexico State University Grants profile
Dakota College At Bottineau landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bottineau, ND. Students from in state pay about $5,388 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,294. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Dakota College At Bottineau alumni report median earnings of $40,576 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt. Get the full Dakota College At Bottineau report
Los Angeles Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Valley Glen, CA, Los Angeles Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,678. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Los Angeles Valley College
New Mexico State University Carlsbad offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a public school based in Carlsbad, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,176, while out-of-state students pay about $4,008. Graduates carry a median of $10,497 in student loans. More on New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Washtenaw Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $2,736, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,511 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,449 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Washtenaw Community College
Merced College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Merced, CA, Merced College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,200, while out-of-state students pay about $8,520. Students borrow a median of $9,300 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Merced College alumni report median earnings of $37,815 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,300 median debt. Read the full report on Merced College
South Arkansas Community College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in El Dorado, AR, South Arkansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,324, with out-of-state students paying around $5,532. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $17,650. South Arkansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $34,521 a decade after entry. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about South Arkansas Community College
College Of Southern Maryland offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. College Of Southern Maryland is a public school based in La Plata, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,456 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,435. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of Southern Maryland report
Cuesta College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, Cuesta College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,010. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $18,958. Cuesta College alumni report median earnings of $46,047 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuesta College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #25 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Set against $8,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Santa Ana College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Ana, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $7,014. Median earnings reach $43,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Santa Ana College report
Paris Junior College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Paris Junior College is a public school based in Paris, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,700, while out-of-state students pay about $5,700. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,163. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,515. Set against $6,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Paris Junior College
East Los Angeles College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. East Los Angeles College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $6,193 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,006. That is a strong return on a $6,193 median debt. Get the full East Los Angeles College report
Black Hawk College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moline, IL, Black Hawk College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,100. Black Hawk College Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities students take on a median of $8,250 in debt. Black Hawk College alumni report median earnings of $37,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Black Hawk College
Ivy Tech Community College placed #30 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $10,026 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $10,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Cochise College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Set in Sierra Vista, AZ, Cochise College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,280 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $9,957. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,033. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cochise College
Pulaski Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in North Little Rock, AR, Pulaski Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,300 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,450. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $16,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,722 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. Read the full report on Pulaski Technical College
New Mexico State University Dona Ana ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $2,322, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $10,497. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,497 median debt. Get the full New Mexico State University Dona Ana report
Vernon College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Vernon, TX, Vernon College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,464. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Vernon College
Los Angeles Harbor College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wilmington, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,568. Graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,133. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles City College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,148 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Los Angeles City College
Bossier Parish Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Bossier Parish Community College is a public school based in Bossier City, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,268. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bossier Parish Community College
Owens Community College placed #38 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Based in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $21,024. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Owens Community College report
Pima Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Graduates carry a median of $8,939 in student loans. Pima Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,810 a decade after entry. Set against $8,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Pima Community College
Chaffey College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Chaffey College is a public school based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,184, while out-of-state students pay about $11,120. Students borrow a median of $7,252 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,975 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,252 median debt. Get the full Chaffey College report
Evergreen Valley College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools. Based in San Jose, CA, Evergreen Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,366, with out-of-state students paying around $8,718. Students borrow a median of $12,981 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $53,077 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Evergreen Valley College report
Delta College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in University Center, MI, Delta College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Students borrow a median of $10,750 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $37,781 ten years out. Set against $10,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Delta College profile
National Park Community College placed #43 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Hot Springs, AR, National Park Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,600, with out-of-state students paying around $7,280. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $15,506. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,444 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,506 median debt. More on National Park Community College
Blue Ridge Community And Technical College placed #44 among the best-value Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities schools in the United States. Located in Martinsburg, WV, Blue Ridge Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,752, compared with $8,808 for out-of-state students. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,293. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Read more about Blue Ridge Community And Technical College
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Los Angeles Mission College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Sylmar, CA, Los Angeles Mission College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,834. Read the full report on Los Angeles Mission College
Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Helena, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,550. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,552 ten years after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Phillips Community College Of The University Of Arkansas
Shawnee Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Ullin, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,650 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,500. The median Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program debt is $11,162. Median earnings reach $32,999 ten years out. Set against $11,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Shawnee Community College report
Orange Coast College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,392, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Typical Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities student debt is $6,955. Median earnings reach $47,348 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,955 median debt. More on Orange Coast College
Ventura College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Ventura College is a public school based in Ventura, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Liberal Arts Sciences Humanities program here. Median earnings reach $43,430 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Get the full Ventura College report
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 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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2221 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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