2026 Best General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Leading the list is Claremont Graduate University, our #1 General Education school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. More on Claremont Graduate University

#2

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

You'll be in good company at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their General Education program here. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#3

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

A rank of #3 makes Auburn University one of the top choices in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. The median General Education program debt is $22,803. Get the full Auburn University report

#4

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Tufts University landed the #4 spot. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $17,074 in student loans. Get the full Tufts University report

#5

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

You'll be in good company at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their General Education program here. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

#6

California State University Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento did well this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. California State University Sacramento posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $17,492. Get the full California State University Sacramento report

#7

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their General Education program here. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#8

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #8 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#9

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Read more about Winona State University

#10

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #10 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign General Education students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#11

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical General Education student debt is $20,500. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#12

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete their General Education program here. More on Ball State University

#13

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Goucher College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Read the full report on Goucher College

#14

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #14 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater graduates 63% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $25,306 in student loans. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#15

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $23,709. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University

#16

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,594. Students borrow a median of $42,500 to complete their General Education program here. See the full Northcentral University profile

#17

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. University Of North Alabama graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Typical General Education student debt is $24,291. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama

#18

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete their General Education program here. More on California State University Fresno

#19

University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $26,162. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile

#20

University Of Portland

Portland, OR

University Of Portland placed #20 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Portland is a private not-for-profit school based in Portland, OR. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,169 in student loans. Read more about University Of Portland

#21

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh General Education students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile

#22

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University General Education students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. See the full Iowa State University profile

#23

Messiah College

Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah College placed #23 among General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mechanicsburg, PA. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Graduates carry a median of $26,195 in student loans. Read more about Messiah College

#24

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. More on Hofstra University

#25

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato General Education students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato

#26

University Of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. Roughly 78% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $21,620. See the full University Of Central Florida profile

#27

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Texas A And M University Kingsville graduates 42% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report

#28

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. California State University Los Angeles graduates 53% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Graduates carry a median of $14,430 in student loans. More on California State University Los Angeles

#30

Miami University Oxford

Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford

#31

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Oklahoma State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#32

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. University Of Southern Mississippi posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical General Education student debt is $25,415. More on University Of Southern Mississippi

#33

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Mississippi State University General Education students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Read the full report on Mississippi State University

#34

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their General Education program here. Read more about Walden University

#35

Saint Michaels College

Colchester, VT

Saint Michaels College placed #35 among General Education schools in the United States. Located in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Michaels College posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. In-state tuition and fees average $51,450. Graduates carry a median of $26,640 in student loans. Read more about Saint Michaels College

#36

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $38,700. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete their General Education program here. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile

#37

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

Baltimore, MD

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland did well this year, earning the #37 position. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,360. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

#38

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,220, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,340. See the full Frostburg State University profile

#39

Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, KY

Union College Kentucky ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. Set in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. Union College Kentucky graduates 32% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,946. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Read the full report on Union College Kentucky

#40

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best General Education schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. About 53% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,990 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#41

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Eastern Michigan University graduates 46% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Typical General Education student debt is $28,781. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report

#42

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. The median General Education program debt is $24,751. Read more about Jacksonville State University

#43

University Of Montevallo

Montevallo, AL

University Of Montevallo placed #43 among General Education schools in the United States. University Of Montevallo is a public school based in Montevallo, AL. University Of Montevallo posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,948, while out-of-state students pay about $26,968. The median General Education program debt is $25,096. More on University Of Montevallo

#44

Boise State University

Boise, ID

Boise State University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. The median General Education program debt is $24,311. Get the full Boise State University report

#45

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University placed #45 among General Education schools in the United States. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. About 49% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical General Education student debt is $24,211. Read the full report on Texas Womans University

#46

University Of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Connecticut General Education students take on a median of $23,637 in debt. See the full University Of Connecticut profile

#47

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College did well this year, earning the #47 position. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College General Education students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#48

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $26,315. Read more about University Of Memphis

#49

The University Of Texas At Arlington

Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Located in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Arlington graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile

#50

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lindenwood University graduates 49% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. The median General Education program debt is $28,663. More on Lindenwood University

#51

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. University Of Oregon posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $20,096 in student loans. Get the full University Of Oregon report