2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 494 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Hood College, our #1 best-value Curriculum Instruction school in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hood College
Out of the 494 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Viterbo University landed the #2 spot. Based in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Viterbo University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Worcester State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester State University
Out of the 494 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Seward landed the #4 spot. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,726. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Concordia University Seward report
Piedmont College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $29,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Mckendree University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,362. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Mckendree University report
Alverno College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,086. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $34,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Alverno College report
National Louis University placed #9 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. National Louis University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full National Louis University profile
Missouri Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,122. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $27,337. Missouri Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $46,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri Baptist University profile
Walden University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,399. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Augusta University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Augusta University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,745 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Augusta University profile
Lindenwood University placed #15 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
California State University Long Beach ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Adrian College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Adrian, MI, Adrian College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,684 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,071. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,504 ten years after entry. Set against $28,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Adrian College has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Adrian College
Liberty University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Liberty University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #21 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,331 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
Kennesaw State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,004 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Morehead State University placed #25 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,896. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Morehead State University report
Upper Iowa University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $34,059 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $52,766 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,059 median debt. Upper Iowa University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Upper Iowa University
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $19,844. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Iowa State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Iowa State University profile
Capella University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Capella University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $35,998 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Capella University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Western Kentucky University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,499. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Kentucky University profile
University Of Florida landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $17,669. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $18,627. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,271. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Eastern Washington University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $21,754. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,897 ten years after entry. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Eastern Washington University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #35 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $20,778. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Tennessee Technological University placed #37 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,580 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. Set against $17,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Tennessee Technological University
La Sierra University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Riverside, CA, La Sierra University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,710. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,507. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,824. Set against $29,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Sierra University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $21,181 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,393. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Arkansas ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Florida Atlantic University placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $20,212. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Florida International University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #47 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,323 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
Lincoln Memorial University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Harrogate, TN, Lincoln Memorial University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,938. Graduates carry a median of $20,693 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,956 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,693 median debt. Lincoln Memorial University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Lincoln Memorial University
University Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $58,308 ten years out. Set against $21,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Florida
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Ball State University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ball State University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Florida State University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $20,488. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Utah Valley University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orem, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt. See the full Utah Valley University profile
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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Teaching Degree Search (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 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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