2026 Best General Education Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University tops our 2026 ranking of the best General Education doctoral degree schools in the United States. Set in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Claremont Graduate University

#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

The strong General Education programs at Harvard University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $16,616. See the full Harvard University profile

#3

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

A rank of #3 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. The median General Education program debt is $13,426. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

#4

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #4 on this year's General Education ranking in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Read more about Stanford University

#5

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Winona State University landed the #5 spot. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University General Education students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. See the full Winona State University profile

#6

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tacoma, WA. About 63% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $15,729. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report

#7

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #7 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median General Education program debt is $16,155. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#8

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical General Education student debt is $24,861. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#9

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#10

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University placed #10 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Azusa Pacific University graduates 62% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Azusa Pacific University General Education students take on a median of $23,709 in debt. Read more about Azusa Pacific University

#11

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #11 among General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#12

Northeastern University Global Network

Boston, MA

Northeastern University Global Network came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,055 in student loans. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network

#13

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia did well this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. University Of Georgia graduates 90% of students within six years. 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. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#14

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#15

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. More on Seattle Pacific University

#16

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #16 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median General Education program debt is $18,627. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#17

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #17 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego General Education students take on a median of $17,101 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego

#18

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median General Education program debt is $25,120. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#19

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University General Education students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. See the full Walden University profile

#20

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamline University graduates 60% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on Hamline University

#21

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. The median General Education program debt is $15,117. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#22

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full San Diego State University report

#23

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Typical General Education student debt is $42,500. More on Northcentral University

#24

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median General Education program debt is $16,097. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

#25

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. University Of Wyoming posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. See the full University Of Wyoming profile

#26

University Of California Riverside

Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Set in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. University Of California Riverside graduates 76% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median General Education program debt is $19,187. Read the full report on University Of California Riverside

#27

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong came in at #27 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#28

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical General Education student debt is $19,137. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile

#29

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. About 63% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Nova Southeastern University General Education students take on a median of $25,021 in debt. More on Nova Southeastern University

#30

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical General Education student debt is $23,495. Read more about Iowa State University

#31

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,842. More on Arizona State University

#32

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical General Education student debt is $24,958. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

#33

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #33 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University General Education students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. Read more about George Washington University

#34

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #34 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $22,053. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile

#35

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University placed #35 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,660. The median General Education program debt is $24,848. Read more about Hofstra University

#36

University Of Hawaii At Manoa

Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. University Of Hawaii At Manoa graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa General Education students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile

#37

The University Of Findlay

Findlay, OH

The University Of Findlay landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Findlay, OH, The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit institution. The University Of Findlay graduates 58% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $41,164 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $25,759. More on The University Of Findlay

#38

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

George Mason University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. See the full George Mason University profile

#39

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester placed #39 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,517 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Rochester

#40

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University did well this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Typical General Education student debt is $23,432. Read the full report on Delta State University

#41

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Students borrow a median of $22,859 to complete their General Education program here. More on The University Of Tennessee

#42

Lesley University

Cambridge, MA

Lesley University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Lesley University graduates 58% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,256. Typical General Education student debt is $24,818. Read more about Lesley University

#43

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #43 among General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Temple University graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about Temple University

#44

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. The median General Education program debt is $28,838. More on Drexel University

#45

University Of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. University Of Central Florida graduates 78% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Florida General Education students take on a median of $21,620 in debt. Read more about University Of Central Florida

#46

Florida Southern College

Lakeland, FL

Florida Southern College placed #46 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Lakeland, FL, Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,040. Florida Southern College General Education students take on a median of $25,357 in debt. Read the full report on Florida Southern College

#47

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University placed #47 among General Education schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Boston University General Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Boston University

#48

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno placed #48 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno General Education students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno

#49

University Of Idaho

Moscow, ID

University Of Idaho landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. The median General Education program debt is $23,844. Read more about University Of Idaho

#50

University Of Mississippi Main Campus

University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Located in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Mississippi Main Campus graduates 72% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. University Of Mississippi Main Campus General Education students take on a median of $22,444 in debt. Read more about University Of Mississippi Main Campus