2026 Best Value General Education Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 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 General Education Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. The median General Education program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
A rank of #3 makes Martin Luther College one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Ulm, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $18,120. Graduates carry a median of $20,224 in student loans. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,224 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Martin Luther College report
You'll get strong value at Santa Fe Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Santa Fe Community College is a public school based in Santa Fe, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,851, while out-of-state students pay about $4,131. The median General Education program debt is $15,267. Median earnings reach $38,005 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Santa Fe Community College report
You'll get strong value at Bellevue University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Typical General Education student debt is $26,556. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,556 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Northeast Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. The median General Education program debt is $11,937. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Community College
Worcester State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University General Education students take on a median of $24,451 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
Morningside College placed #8 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Morningside College General Education students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Morningside College profile
Gloucester County College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,160, compared with $6,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,987 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,751. Set against $10,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gloucester County College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Perkinston, MS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,653 in student loans. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,017 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,653 median debt. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Whitworth University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,051. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Whitworth University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Typical General Education student debt is $27,471. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Southwest Baptist University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their General Education program here. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Northwestern College Minnesota landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,920. Graduates carry a median of $23,505 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Northwestern College Minnesota profile
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Minot State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Minot State University General Education students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Minot State University
Delta State University placed #17 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Typical General Education student debt is $23,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Delta State University
Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Typical General Education student debt is $22,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Grand View University placed #19 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,762. Typical General Education student debt is $26,941. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,824 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,941 median debt. Grand View University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Grand View University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Goucher College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Goucher College General Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Goucher College profile
Stark State College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Stark State College General Education students take on a median of $15,957 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Stark State College report
Wilson College placed #23 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Wilson College General Education students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Wilson College
Calvin College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,350. Students borrow a median of $22,707 to complete their General Education program here. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,707 median debt. Calvin College has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Calvin College
Southern Maine Community College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Graduates carry a median of $12,987 in student loans. Southern Maine Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,661 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,987 median debt. Read more about Southern Maine Community College
Bemidji State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical General Education student debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota General Education students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,170 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Westminster College Pa landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Westminster College Pa is a private not-for-profit school based in New Wilmington, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,290. Typical General Education student debt is $26,528. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Westminster College Pa admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Winona State University profile
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Spring Arbor University General Education students take on a median of $28,268 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. The median General Education program debt is $10,874. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,874 median debt. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
Union College Kentucky ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,946. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,002. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full Union College Kentucky report
Valparaiso University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,724. Median earnings reach $63,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Valparaiso University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies General Education students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Walden University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Typical General Education student debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Graduates carry a median of $25,639 in student loans. Bethel University Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $63,764 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bethel University Minnesota report
Muskingum University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,701. Muskingum University General Education students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,440 ten years after entry. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Muskingum University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Muskingum University
Mississippi University For Women offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,509 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. More on Mississippi University For Women
Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University General Education students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Gonzaga University
Hamline University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median General Education program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hamline University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $19,277. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Pima Community College placed #44 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Pima Community College General Education students take on a median of $10,655 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. Get the full Pima Community College report
Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,280, with out-of-state students paying around $13,270. The median General Education program debt is $11,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,436. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lehigh Carbon Community College profile
Holy Family University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,330. Typical General Education student debt is $26,562. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Holy Family University
Wilmington University placed #47 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wilmington University
El Paso Community College placed #47 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. El Paso Community College is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,542 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. Set against $8,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full El Paso Community College report
University Of Saint Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,380. Graduates carry a median of $27,810 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,483. That is a strong return on a $27,810 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Saint Mary report
California Baptist University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Typical General Education student debt is $28,169. California Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $61,504 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,169 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Baptist University profile
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Peru, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,433. Peru State College General Education students take on a median of $26,254 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,071 ten years after entry. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Best Value General Education Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value General Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 903 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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