2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 494 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, Teaching Degree Search analyzed 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 Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Concordia University Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
You'll get strong value at Mckendree University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,362. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. Mckendree University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Mckendree University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Piedmont College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Piedmont College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Piedmont College
A rank of #4 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
A rank of #5 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,896. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University
Aurora University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Aurora University
National Louis University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. National Louis University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about National Louis University
Lindenwood University placed #8 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $28,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lindenwood University
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $14,694. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Gardner Webb University placed #11 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boiling Springs, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,750. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Gardner Webb University alumni report median earnings of $48,039 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Gardner Webb University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Gardner Webb University
Capella University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $35,998. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,867 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wyoming landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. University Of Wyoming Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Valdosta State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
University Of Memphis landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,315. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Loyola University Chicago ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Depaul University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of North Texas came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,817. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $19,819. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Mercer University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Macon, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,565. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $32,463. Median earnings reach $58,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Mercer University
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Utah State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Utah State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $16,191 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Utah State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $26,513 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Indiana State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,387. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Indiana State University
Cuny Hunter College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuny Hunter College is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $63,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
University Of New Orleans offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. University Of New Orleans Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,048 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,872 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,048 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
University Of Florida ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,100. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. That is a strong return on a $21,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Louisiana Monroe landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Louisiana Monroe is a public school based in Monroe, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,190, compared with $21,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $22,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,769. That is a strong return on a $22,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full University Of Louisiana Monroe profile
St Johns University New York placed #33 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,529. St Johns University New York Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,521 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,571 ten years after entry. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Get the full St Johns University New York report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,275. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $16,481. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. 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
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $35,323 in student loans. University Of Phoenix Arizona alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,546. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Texas Tech University placed #39 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Tennessee Technological University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Students borrow a median of $17,580 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Tennessee Technological University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #41 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,181. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #44 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,977. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Arkansas came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,019 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Lincoln Memorial University placed #51 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrogate, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,938. Lincoln Memorial University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $20,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,956. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read more about Lincoln Memorial University
Related Curriculum Instruction Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (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 494 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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