2026 Best Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Administration graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 932 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.
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 Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northwestern College Iowa earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $49,802 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hood College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Students borrow a median of $17,125 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Hood College
Out of the 932 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #3 spot. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,664 ten years after entry. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Out of the 932 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwest Missouri State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
You'll get strong value at Western Governors University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Governors University
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. 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%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. The median Educational Administration program debt is $22,974. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wayne State College
Mcdaniel College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Mcdaniel College Educational Administration students take on a median of $16,318 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $16,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Doane College Crete ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Concordia University Seward placed #10 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,640. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,726. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Concordia University Chicago ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Viterbo University placed #12 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. Viterbo University Educational Administration students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Viterbo University
Fitchburg State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,840. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Gordon College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. The median Educational Administration program debt is $26,372. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gordon College report
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,447. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Youngstown State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Southwest Baptist University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Southwest Baptist University
Winona State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $24,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Winona State University report
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,260. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Bethel University Minnesota placed #20 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Students borrow a median of $25,639 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Northwest Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Nampa, ID, Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,824. Northwest Nazarene University Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Hamline University profile
York College Pennsylvania landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Henderson State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,234 in student loans. Henderson State University alumni report median earnings of $43,459 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. More on Henderson State University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
City University Of Seattle ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,460. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. More on City University Of Seattle
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Educational Administration students take on a median of $26,797 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Students borrow a median of $27,172 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Carson Newman College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,700. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Carson Newman College
Illinois State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Marian University Wisconsin placed #32 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. Graduates carry a median of $27,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marian University Wisconsin profile
National Louis University placed #33 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Educational Administration program here. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full National Louis University profile
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Whitworth University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $26,051. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Baldwin Wallace College placed #36 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Baldwin Wallace College Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. Baldwin Wallace College alumni report median earnings of $54,122 a decade after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Colorado State University Global Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Students borrow a median of $16,955 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Fort Hays State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $25,967. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Alverno College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. 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 Educational Administration program debt is $34,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,145 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Alverno College profile
Mckendree University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Educational Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,572. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Mckendree University
The College Of New Jersey placed #43 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,997 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,997 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Saint Martins University placed #44 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Graduates carry a median of $22,818 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. That is a strong return on a $22,818 median debt. Saint Martins University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Martins University
Northern Illinois University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Educational Administration program debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Union University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,398. Graduates carry a median of $28,605 in student loans. Union University alumni report median earnings of $53,990 a decade after entry. 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
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Educational Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Freed Hardeman University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Administration schools. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,620 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Freed Hardeman University
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. The median Educational Administration program debt is $23,465. Median earnings reach $45,379 ten years out. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northeastern State University report
Liberty University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University Educational Administration students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University
Lindenwood University placed #51 among the best-value Educational Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Administration student debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
Related Educational Administration Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Administration Doctoral 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).
TeachingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TeachingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.