2026 Best Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 903 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Bellevue University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $26,556 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Set against $26,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue University report
You'll get strong value at Peru State College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Peru, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,433. Graduates carry a median of $26,254 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,071. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Peru State College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwest Minnesota State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Typical General Education student debt is $27,016. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Wilmington University landed the #4 spot. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilmington University profile
Ashford University came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $44,596 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University
Walden University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $49,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walden University
Heritage University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Toppenish, WA. Students from in state pay about $20,928 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $19,148. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. More on Heritage University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. The median General Education program debt is $23,250. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
Central Washington University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Central Washington University General Education students take on a median of $21,988 in debt. Central Washington University alumni report median earnings of $61,580 a decade after entry. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Central Washington University
City University Of Seattle landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,460. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full City University Of Seattle report
University Of Florida came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,669 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. See the full University Of Florida profile
West Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in West Liberty, WV, West Liberty University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,893, with out-of-state students paying around $17,442. Graduates carry a median of $27,144 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Liberty University admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about West Liberty University
Grand Valley State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical General Education student debt is $29,364. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $29,364 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waxahachie, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $25,064. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University General Education students take on a median of $27,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,238 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Eastern Michigan University placed #16 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. The median General Education program debt is $28,781. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Michigan University
Northcentral University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,594. Graduates carry a median of $42,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northcentral University
Concordia College At Moorhead came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,170. The median General Education program debt is $26,637. Median earnings reach $59,317 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia College At Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Concordia College At Moorhead
University Of Hawaii West Oahu came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kapolei, HI, University Of Hawaii West Oahu is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,584, compared with $20,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,333 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,075 ten years after entry. Set against $24,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Hawaii West Oahu profile
Kansas State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University General Education students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
North Greenville University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tigerville, SC, North Greenville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,800. The median General Education program debt is $24,128. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,035 ten years after entry. Set against $24,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on North Greenville University
Texas Womans University placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $24,211. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Womans University
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Sioux Falls profile
Lindenwood University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Typical General Education student debt is $28,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
University Of Arkansas At Monticello placed #25 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Monticello, AR, University Of Arkansas At Monticello is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,292, compared with $14,857 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $15,611. University Of Arkansas At Monticello alumni report median earnings of $36,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Arkansas At Monticello
Suny Empire State College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Typical General Education student debt is $21,422. Suny Empire State College alumni report median earnings of $54,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Suny Empire State College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Harding University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical General Education student debt is $40,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. Set against $40,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Harding University report
Texas Tech University placed #28 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #30 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical General Education student debt is $21,818. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Florida Atlantic University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $18,474. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Florida Atlantic University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #31 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh General Education students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Flagler College St Augustine landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Augustine, FL, Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,900. Flagler College St Augustine General Education students take on a median of $30,750 in debt. Flagler College St Augustine alumni report median earnings of $49,483 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,750 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Flagler College St Augustine profile
Trinity Washington University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Trinity Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,610. Trinity Washington University General Education students take on a median of $31,194 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,804 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,194 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Trinity Washington University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee General Education students take on a median of $30,990 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $30,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
University Of Washington Bothell Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. Graduates carry a median of $15,729 in student loans. University Of Washington Bothell Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Seattle Pacific University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. The University Of Texas At San Antonio General Education students take on a median of $23,312 in debt. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical General Education student debt is $15,729. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Florida Gulf Coast University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Florida Gulf Coast University General Education students take on a median of $20,755 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,560 ten years after entry. Set against $20,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Gulf Coast University admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Florida Gulf Coast University report
Eastern Washington University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,897. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Eastern Washington University
Western Oregon University placed #41 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Monmouth, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $11,514, compared with $32,169 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,815 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Western Oregon University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in University Center, MI, Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,930, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $28,091. Median earnings reach $51,955 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Saginaw Valley State University
Saint Martins University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. Graduates carry a median of $22,818 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Martins University
Avila University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,200. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,773. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Avila University profile
Bob Jones University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Greenville, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,892. Typical General Education student debt is $20,497. Bob Jones University alumni report median earnings of $44,354 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bob Jones University report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical General Education student debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Trinity Christian College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Palos Heights, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,605. Typical General Education student debt is $28,722. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity Christian College has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Trinity Christian College
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median General Education program debt is $42,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Liberty University
Saint Norbert College placed #51 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in De Pere, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,580. Students borrow a median of $26,578 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,363. That is a strong return on a $26,578 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Norbert College
Related General Education Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value General Education Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
TeachingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TeachingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.