Find Affordable College Courses

What Do You Want to Study?

2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 173 institutions 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 analyzed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these high-value schools below:

#1

Morningside College

Sioux City, IA

For return on investment, no school beat Morningside College this year in the United States. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $27,281. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Morningside College

#2

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

A rank of #2 makes Western Governors University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Governors University

#3

Wilson College

Chambersburg, PA

You'll get strong value at Wilson College, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Students borrow a median of $34,814 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Wilson College profile

Northern Illinois University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Educational Assessment ranking in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#5

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY

You'll get strong value at Campbellsville University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Campbellsville, KY, Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,998. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,583. Set against $24,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Campbellsville University

University Of Maryland University College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $23,276 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,276 median debt. Read more about University Of Maryland University College

National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. National Louis University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about National Louis University

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

University Of California Santa Cruz placed #9 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,396 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz

Missouri Western State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Missouri Western State University is a public school based in Saint Joseph, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,647 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Missouri Western State University report

Teachers College At Columbia University placed #11 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

Houston Baptist University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Houston Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,430. Students borrow a median of $25,601 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,933. Set against $25,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Houston Baptist University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Weatherford, OK, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,469 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,499 for out-of-state students. Southwestern Oklahoma State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $20,795 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,744 ten years after entry. Set against $20,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southwestern Oklahoma State University

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

University Of California Irvine came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Get the full University Of California Irvine report

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #16 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #17 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $26,162. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham

University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. 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. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Ohio University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

#22

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $16,155. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#22

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,669 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile

#24

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cleveland State University

#25

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. More on George Washington University

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

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

#26

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#27

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. See the full Florida State University profile

#28

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Michigan University

#29

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $10,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stanford University

#30

Georgia State University

Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University placed #30 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Georgia State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Set against $26,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Georgia State University

#31

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #31 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $21,897. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about New York University

University Of Colorado Denver landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $26,582. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. 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. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

#34

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College placed #34 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read the full report on Boston College

University Of The Southwest ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hobbs, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,670. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $45,389 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of The Southwest

University Of Northern Colorado came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,974 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. That is a strong return on a $23,974 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado

Kent State University At Kent placed #37 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,174. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. 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 New Mexico Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $19,738. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus

#39

American University

Washington, DC

American University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. American University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full American University profile

#39

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,803. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. See the full Auburn University profile

University Of Central Oklahoma placed #41 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $23,321. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Central Oklahoma

University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $26,516. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,649 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Michigan Dearborn report

University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,472 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Set against $24,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#44

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,918. Students borrow a median of $23,645 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,939. Set against $23,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants. Read the full report on Pepperdine University

#46

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Educational Assessment students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kentucky

#47

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University

#49

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,517 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,042. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Rochester

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. More on Ohio State University Main Campus

#50

University Of Miami

Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,616 in tuition and fees. University Of Miami Educational Assessment students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. University Of Miami alumni report median earnings of $75,328 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Miami report

University Of Southern California came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $15,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%. Read more about University Of Southern California

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled 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

Find Teaching Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited education & teaching schools across the U.S.