2026 Best Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 773 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 Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,462. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full La Salle University report
Cabrini College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Radnor, PA. Graduates carry a median of $26,889 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,038 ten years out. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cabrini College
You'll get strong value at Columbia Southern University, which ranked #3 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Columbia Southern University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Columbia Southern University
A rank of #4 makes Northwestern College Iowa one of the best values in the United States. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,415. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Out of the 773 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Stephens College landed the #5 spot. Set in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,300. Stephens College Science & Tech students take on a median of $33,326 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,071 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stephens College
Valley City State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Valley City State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,074 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Valley City State University report
American Public University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Mayville State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,464 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Simpson College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Indianola, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,816. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,274 ten years after entry. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Simpson College
Morningside College placed #10 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Morningside College Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Furman University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Furman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Greenville, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,770. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,764. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,635 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about Furman University
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,703. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Hood College
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Park University report
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Western Governors University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Western Governors University Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,361 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Worcester State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Worcester State University
Mount Marty College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Mount Marty College Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Mount Marty College alumni report median earnings of $48,179 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on Mount Marty College
Cedarville University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,150. Graduates carry a median of $22,110 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,443. That is a strong return on a $22,110 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cedarville University report
Viterbo University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,250. Viterbo University Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Viterbo University
Grantham University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,520. Students borrow a median of $30,600 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,496 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grantham University report
Bemidji State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,819. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Mcdaniel College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Wayne State College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wayne State College
Heritage University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Toppenish, WA. Students from in state pay about $20,928 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,148 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Heritage University report
Crown College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Saint Bonifacius, MN, Crown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,410. Students borrow a median of $29,537 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,057 ten years after entry. Set against $29,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Crown College has an acceptance rate of 23%. See the full Crown College profile
Ferris State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Ferris State University
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Graduates carry a median of $28,802 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,650. Graduates carry a median of $17,124 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,908 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,124 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce report
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,726. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Seward
University Of Scranton placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,777. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,500. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Scranton profile
Southwestern College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,822. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,874. Southwestern College alumni report median earnings of $55,646 a decade after entry. Set against $26,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southwestern College
Concordia University Chicago ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Bethel University Minnesota profile
Piedmont College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Piedmont College
Goucher College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,023 ten years after entry. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Goucher College report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Gordon College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wenham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Gordon College Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,372 in debt. Gordon College alumni report median earnings of $52,119 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Gordon College
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Science & Tech program debt is $19,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Linfield College Adult Degree Program landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $28,250. More on Linfield College Adult Degree Program
Southwest Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
Delta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,432. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Delta State University
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Related Science & Tech Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Science & Tech Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 773 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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