2026 Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 932 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search reviewed schools to produce 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 Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,036 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 University Of The Cumberlands
Out of the 932 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Irvine landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
Out of the 932 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at William Woods University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full William Woods University profile
Concordia University Chicago landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. More on Concordia University Chicago
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Wilmington University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Doane College Crete ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit school based in Crete, NE. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $28,802. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. More on Doane College Crete
Ashland University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,536. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Ashland University profile
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Educational Administration students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Southwest Baptist University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. Southwest Baptist University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,112 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Ferris State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,562. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,447. 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. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Drake University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. See the full Drake University profile
Evangel University placed #16 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,876. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Evangel University
The Sage Colleges landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,164. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,702. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $26,702 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Sage Colleges admits about 53% of applicants. See the full The Sage Colleges profile
National Louis University placed #17 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about National Louis University
University Of St Francis landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit school based in Joliet, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. University Of St Francis Educational Administration students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Northern Illinois University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Illinois State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Gwynedd Mercy College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gwynedd Valley, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,838. Students borrow a median of $29,764 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,145. Set against $29,764 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gwynedd Mercy College
Northwest Nazarene University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,824. Students borrow a median of $27,562 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $51,719 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
City University Of Seattle ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,929 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, 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
Youngstown State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Holy Family University placed #28 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Holy Family University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Holy Family University
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,639. Median earnings reach $63,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Carson Newman College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Carson Newman College Educational Administration students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,382 ten years after entry. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Carson Newman College report
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Gonzaga University alumni report median earnings of $78,892 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Centenary College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,732. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,081. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,726. Set against $25,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Centenary College profile
Western Illinois University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Aurora University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. The median Educational Administration program debt is $24,507. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $24,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Aurora University
Freed Hardeman University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,620. Freed Hardeman University Educational Administration students take on a median of $24,479 in debt. Freed Hardeman University alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University
University Of Mary ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $60,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,983 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Mary
Harding University placed #38 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Harding University profile
University Of Delaware landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Union University placed #39 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,398. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $28,605. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Union University
Missouri Baptist University placed #41 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,122. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,660. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri Baptist University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Grand Canyon University placed #43 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Grand Canyon University Educational Administration students take on a median of $30,027 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
University Of South Dakota came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,322. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
Piedmont College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $29,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Piedmont College report
Wingate University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wingate, NC, Wingate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,576. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,556. Wingate University alumni report median earnings of $52,649 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,556 median debt. Wingate University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Wingate University
Bellarmine University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,770. Bellarmine University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,766 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,069 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bellarmine University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Bellarmine University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $23,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Azusa Pacific University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,709. Azusa Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $66,677 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
Salisbury University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,545. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,545 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Salisbury University report
Saint Thomas University placed #51 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Miami Gardens, FL, Saint Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,955 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,272. Set against $24,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Saint Thomas University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Students borrow a median of $22,248 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola Marymount University admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on Loyola Marymount University
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Administration Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 932 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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