2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 494 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
You'll get strong value at Jamestown College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Jamestown College alumni report median earnings of $56,621 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Jamestown College
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,085. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Out of the 494 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of The Cumberlands landed the #4 spot. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Fitchburg State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,840. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Western Governors University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
Ashland University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Ashland University
Doane College Crete came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,802. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Buena Vista University placed #13 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Graduates carry a median of $29,317 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Wayne State College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Wayne State College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $22,974 in debt. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wayne State College profile
Concordia University Seward landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Students borrow a median of $26,726 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Drake University profile
Ferris State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,562. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Hood College
Mckendree University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,740. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,362 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Berry College placed #21 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Berry, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,486. Berry College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,797 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,800. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about Berry College
Dordt College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,050. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,812. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,559. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dordt College admits about 68% of applicants. More on Dordt College
Peru State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,433. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,254. Peru State College alumni report median earnings of $47,071 a decade after entry. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Alverno College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $34,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Alverno College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Northern State University placed #27 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Northern State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $26,143 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern State University
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,956. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Midwestern State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
William Woods University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,340. William Woods University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full William Woods University report
Mount Marty College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Mount Marty College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,179. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full Mount Marty College report
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. University Of St Francis Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on University Of St Francis
Warner University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Lake Wales, FL, Warner University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,992. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,802. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,086 ten years after entry. Set against $25,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Warner University
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,797. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #37 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Fresno Pacific University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,660. Students borrow a median of $24,596 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report
Youngstown State University placed #39 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
City University Of Seattle placed #39 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle
Northern Illinois University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Illinois State University placed #42 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Curriculum Instruction program 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. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Chadron State College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,294. Chadron State College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $22,912 in debt. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chadron State College
Carroll University placed #44 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,890. Students borrow a median of $26,904 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,009 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Carroll University report
Missouri Southern State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,241 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,620 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,064. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $28,248. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University alumni report median earnings of $46,238 a decade after entry. Set against $28,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Evangel University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Graduates carry a median of $24,876 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,573 ten years out. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Evangel University profile
Georgetown College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Georgetown, KY, Georgetown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,840. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,938. Median earnings reach $52,074 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown College admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Georgetown College profile
North Central College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,726. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,699. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,123. Set against $25,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Central College admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about North Central College
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Students borrow a median of $27,172 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Freed Hardeman University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,479. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Set against $24,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Freed Hardeman University admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Freed Hardeman University report
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on National Louis University
Lewis University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Lewis University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,838 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,099 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,838 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Lewis University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #55 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $23,917. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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