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2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment graduate certificate 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.

To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

Our analysis found Minnesota State University Mankato to be the best-value Educational Assessment school in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,260. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile

University Of Maryland University College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. University Of Maryland University College Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,276 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College

Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Winona State University landed the #3 spot. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University

#4

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

A rank of #4 makes Montclair State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile

#5

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #5 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. University Of North Dakota Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota

#6

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,386. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,330. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Missouri State University Springfield placed #9 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield

California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fresno report

Loyola University Chicago ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago

University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,347. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus

Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Washington State University

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#16

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report

#17

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia

Iowa State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,324. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga alumni report median earnings of $51,151 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,324 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga

#20

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#21

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Memphis

#22

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $21,218. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,954 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,218 median debt. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full James Madison University report

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile

#25

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University

University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Educational Assessment students take on a median of $21,181 in debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $21,577. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#28

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,019. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas

#28

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,259. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. More on Temple University

#30

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arizona

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, 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. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#32

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Georgia Southern University report

#32

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Iowa

North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,113. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#36

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #36 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,518. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. Set against $24,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University

#37

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,209 ten years out. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Nova Southeastern University

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Columbia

#39

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington

#39

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kentucky report

#41

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,091. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia State University

#42

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University placed #42 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Michigan University

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile

#44

Miami University Oxford

Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,177. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Miami University Oxford report

#45

University At Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $22,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University At Buffalo report

#46

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,213 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Michigan State University

#48

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,517 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,042. Set against $21,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. More on University Of Rochester

University Of Massachusetts Boston offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,236. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,865. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Boston report

University Of Connecticut came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,637. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of Connecticut report

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick

Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Teachers College At Columbia University report

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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 173 ranked schools only.

References

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