2026 Best Value Archeology Schools
Looking for the best-value Archeology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 84 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.
To help you make your decision, 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 Archeology Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Archeology programs schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Archeology student debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #2 on this year's best-value Archeology ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete their Archeology program here. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #3 on this year's best-value Archeology ranking in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Out of the 84 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cornell University landed the #4 spot. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Archeology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College At Cortland earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Graduates carry a median of $25,369 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,236 ten years out. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Cuny Hunter College placed #7 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Cuny Hunter College alumni report median earnings of $63,163 a decade after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 54%. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
Suny College At Potsdam ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Suny College At Potsdam is a public school based in Potsdam, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,768, with out-of-state students paying around $18,678. Suny College At Potsdam Archeology students take on a median of $26,540 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,866 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,540 median debt. Suny College At Potsdam admits about 78% of applicants. More on Suny College At Potsdam
University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Archeology student debt is $16,155. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Georgia ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Archeology students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Archeology students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #11 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Archeology program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #13 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Archeology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Western Washington University Archeology students take on a median of $20,361 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Washington University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #15 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Lycoming College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamsport, PA, Lycoming College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,804. Graduates carry a median of $26,973 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,210 ten years after entry. Set against $26,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on Lycoming College
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University Archeology students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Stanford University profile
Weber State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ogden, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Typical Archeology student debt is $19,176. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt. Read the full report on Weber State University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus Archeology students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Johns Hopkins University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Archeology program debt is $13,426. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Wheaton College Illinois placed #21 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Based in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,546. The median Archeology program debt is $23,292. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,756 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wheaton College Illinois report
University Of Idaho came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Idaho is a public school based in Moscow, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Typical Archeology student debt is $23,844. Median earnings reach $54,670 ten years out. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Idaho
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Archeology students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Brown University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Typical Archeology student debt is $13,025. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,025 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brown University profile
Washington University In St Louis landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,182 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Archeology Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Hamilton College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Clinton, NY, Hamilton College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,960. Graduates carry a median of $16,131 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,411 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. More on Hamilton College
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. The median Archeology program debt is $17,074. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,214. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Tufts University
University Of Southern California came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. More on University Of Southern California
College Of Charleston offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Charleston, SC, College Of Charleston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. Students borrow a median of $24,733 to complete their Archeology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about College Of Charleston
Willamette University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salem, OR. Students from in state pay about $51,156 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,537 to complete their Archeology program here. Willamette University alumni report median earnings of $56,911 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Willamette University profile
George Washington University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. The median Archeology program debt is $22,910. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Get the full George Washington University report
New York University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Archeology program here. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
Dickinson College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Carlisle, PA, Dickinson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,650. Typical Archeology student debt is $19,014. Median earnings reach $70,204 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,014 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full Dickinson College profile
Oberlin College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oberlin, OH. Students from in state pay about $67,366 in tuition and fees. Typical Archeology student debt is $24,759. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,343. Set against $24,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oberlin College has an acceptance rate of 34%. More on Oberlin College
Saint Marys College Of California ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moraga, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,803. Typical Archeology student debt is $25,041. Median earnings reach $78,812 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,041 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Marys College Of California
University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Cruz, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on University Of California Santa Cruz
The College Of Wooster ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Based in Wooster, OH, The College Of Wooster is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,640. Typical Archeology student debt is $25,936. The College Of Wooster alumni report median earnings of $59,629 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of Wooster has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full The College Of Wooster report
Boston University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. The median Archeology program debt is $25,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Boston University
University Of Massachusetts Boston offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their Archeology program here. Median earnings reach $65,865 ten years out. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Massachusetts Boston
Monmouth University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Get the full Monmouth University report
University Of Rio Grande ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Read the full report on University Of Rio Grande
Center For Advanced Studies On Puerto Rico And The Caribbean came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. See the full Center For Advanced Studies On Puerto Rico And The Caribbean profile
Carnegie Mellon University placed #43 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Arizona placed #44 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Fresno City College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Read the full report on Fresno City College
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Mercyhurst College placed #47 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Get the full Mercyhurst College report
Coastal Carolina University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Coastal Carolina University report
University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Michigan Technological University placed #50 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Best Value Archeology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Archeology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology 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 84 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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