2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 173 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #2 spot. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,153. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Delaware, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fontbonne University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $29,976 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $33,503 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,825. That is a strong return on a $33,503 median debt. Read the full report on Fontbonne University
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Dakota landed the #5 spot. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Augusta University placed #6 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Augusta University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,745 in debt. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Augusta University profile
University Of California Santa Cruz placed #7 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Cruz Educational Assessment students take on a median of $18,559 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #8 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,481. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
A T Still University Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. More on A T Still University Of Health Sciences
University Of Georgia landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Educational Assessment students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. More on University Of Georgia
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #12 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Pennsylvania placed #13 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $20,836. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Boston College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Boston College Educational Assessment students take on a median of $18,101 in debt. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. Set against $18,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. Get the full Boston College report
University Of Iowa placed #16 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,463. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,115. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Arkansas landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $24,019 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Clemson University placed #22 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,783. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Clemson University
Western Michigan University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $27,981. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
University Of Florida placed #25 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Florida State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read more about Florida State University
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,754. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,541 ten years after entry. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Middle Tennessee State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,542 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
Kent State University At Kent placed #30 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,174. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
University Of Kentucky came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Students borrow a median of $23,559 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $54,659 ten years out. Set against $23,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Graduates carry a median of $19,738 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,792. Set against $19,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
University Of Northern Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,974 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. University Of Colorado Boulder Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,373 in debt. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,213. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Alabama ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. The University Of Alabama Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,496 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
University Of California Irvine came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,472 median debt. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Oregon placed #42 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. University Of Oregon Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,034 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,324. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
Wayne State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Wayne State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,689 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Wayne State University report
University Of Denver landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,534. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,155 ten years after entry. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Denver report
University Of Connecticut ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,637. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on University Of Connecticut
Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Boise State University profile
Cuny Hunter College placed #46 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
Southern Wesleyan University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Southern Wesleyan University profile
Boston University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Boston University
George Washington University placed #49 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. More on George Washington University
Missouri Western State University placed #50 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Get the full Missouri Western State University report
Related Educational Assessment Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Assessment Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Assessment Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 173 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).