2026 Best Value Archeology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Archeology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 84 institutions 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 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Archeology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin La Crosse one of the best values in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
You'll get strong value at Suny College At Cortland, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Students borrow a median of $25,369 to complete their Archeology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,236. That is a strong return on a $25,369 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny College At Cortland
You'll get strong value at Cuny Hunter College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Cuny Hunter College Archeology students take on a median of $11,091 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College At Potsdam earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Potsdam, NY, Suny College At Potsdam is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,768, while out-of-state students pay about $18,678. Typical Archeology student debt is $26,540. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,866 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny College At Potsdam profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Archeology students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Western Washington University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. The median Archeology program debt is $20,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Western Washington University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Lycoming College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Set in Williamsport, PA, Lycoming College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,804. Typical Archeology student debt is $26,973. Lycoming College alumni report median earnings of $56,210 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on Lycoming College
Stanford University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Stanford University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Archeology program debt is $16,481. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Johns Hopkins University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Typical Archeology student debt is $13,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,555 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
Wheaton College Illinois ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Based in Wheaton, IL, Wheaton College Illinois is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,546. The median Archeology program debt is $23,292. Wheaton College Illinois alumni report median earnings of $63,756 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wheaton College Illinois has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Wheaton College Illinois
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Archeology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cornell University
Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. The median Archeology program debt is $13,025. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brown University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #16 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Archeology program here. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Washington University In St Louis ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Typical Archeology student debt is $17,553. Median earnings reach $86,182 ten years out. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
Hamilton College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Set in Clinton, NY, Hamilton College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,960. Graduates carry a median of $16,131 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,411. That is a strong return on a $16,131 median debt. Hamilton College has an acceptance rate of 14%. More on Hamilton College
Tufts University placed #19 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Archeology students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of Southern California landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Archeology program debt is $15,625. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
College Of Charleston placed #21 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Based in Charleston, SC, College Of Charleston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,978, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. The median Archeology program debt is $24,733. Median earnings reach $56,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full College Of Charleston report
Willamette University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salem, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,156. Willamette University Archeology students take on a median of $22,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,911. Set against $22,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Willamette University
George Washington University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. The median Archeology program debt is $22,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. More on George Washington University
New York University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on New York University
Dickinson College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Carlisle, PA. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on Dickinson College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Archeology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Oberlin College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Oberlin, OH, Oberlin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,366. The median Archeology program debt is $24,759. Oberlin College alumni report median earnings of $58,343 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%. Read more about Oberlin College
Boston University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Typical Archeology student debt is $25,232. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,238. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Boston University
Saint Marys College Of California placed #28 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Located in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,803. The median Archeology program debt is $25,041. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,812. Set against $25,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Saint Marys College Of California report
University Of California Santa Cruz landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a public school based in Santa Cruz, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. The median Archeology program debt is $18,559. University Of California Santa Cruz alumni report median earnings of $68,396 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Cruz
The College Of Wooster offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Wooster, OH, The College Of Wooster is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,640. The median Archeology program debt is $25,936. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,629 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of Wooster
Haverford College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Haverford College
Pima Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. See the full Pima Community College profile
University Of Indianapolis ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. Get the full University Of Indianapolis report
Michigan Technological University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Capital Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Capital Community College report
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #36 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Palomar College
Palomar College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. More on Palomar College
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. See the full Pennsylvania State University Main Campus profile
University Of Evansville ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. More on University Of Evansville
Lipscomb University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full Lipscomb University profile
Southern Adventist University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Southern Adventist University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #42 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Weber State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. More on Weber State University
Moorpark College
Moorpark College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. See the full Moorpark College profile
University Of Wisconsin Parkside offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Sweet Briar College placed #47 among the best-value Archeology schools in the United States. More on Sweet Briar College
Coastal Carolina University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Archeology schools. See the full Coastal Carolina University profile
Vermont Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Vermont Technical College
Ohlone Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on Ohlone Community College
Related Archeology Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Archeology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Archeology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Archeology Associate’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. 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 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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