2026 Best Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 903 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 analyzed schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Winona State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical General Education student debt is $24,551. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University
You'll get strong value at Delta State University, which ranked #2 this year. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Delta State University
A rank of #3 makes Walden University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Get the full Walden University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hamline University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Hamline University profile
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Azusa Pacific University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,709 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Delaware placed #7 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware General Education students take on a median of $24,861 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Claremont Graduate University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report
Liberty University placed #9 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Typical General Education student debt is $42,160. A decade after starting, 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
University Of Wyoming ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $20,283. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical General Education student debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Northcentral University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Northcentral University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,594. Northcentral University General Education students take on a median of $42,500 in debt. Northcentral University alumni report median earnings of $48,414 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. More on Northcentral University
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their General Education program here. Northeastern University Global Network alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report
San Diego State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $16,417. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
Seattle Pacific University ranked #15 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. Seattle Pacific University General Education students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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 Findlay placed #16 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit school based in Findlay, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $41,164. Graduates carry a median of $25,759 in student loans. The University Of Findlay alumni report median earnings of $56,996 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,759 median debt. The University Of Findlay admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Findlay report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #18 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia General Education students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Florida Southern College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lakeland, FL, Florida Southern College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,040. The median General Education program debt is $25,357. Median earnings reach $55,294 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,357 median debt. Florida Southern College admits about 64% of applicants. More on Florida Southern College
American International College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. American International College is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MA. Students from in state pay about $44,230 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $30,390. American International College alumni report median earnings of $53,124 a decade after entry. Set against $30,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. American International College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full American International College report
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus General Education students take on a median of $15,729 in debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
University Of California Berkeley landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical General Education student debt is $14,238. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Lesley University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Lesley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,256. Lesley University General Education students take on a median of $24,818 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,173. Set against $24,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on Lesley University
Nova Southeastern University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,700. The median General Education program debt is $25,021. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,209 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Arizona State University placed #26 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, 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. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles General Education students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Iowa State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University General Education students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $19,918. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Michigan Flint landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Flint, MI, University Of Michigan Flint is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,236, while out-of-state students pay about $27,790. Typical General Education student debt is $31,016. Median earnings reach $53,230 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Flint
University Of The Incarnate Word ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in San Antonio, TX, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Students borrow a median of $28,028 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,733 ten years after entry. Set against $28,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of The Incarnate Word
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. The median General Education program debt is $19,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Riverside report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median General Education program debt is $18,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Utah State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Utah State University
Temple University placed #37 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Typical General Education student debt is $26,259. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their General Education program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Pennsylvania placed #39 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Hofstra University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hempstead, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $57,660. The median General Education program debt is $24,848. Hofstra University alumni report median earnings of $69,039 a decade after entry. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Hofstra University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick General Education students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
Georgia State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Georgia State University General Education students take on a median of $26,091 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Georgia State University
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical General Education student debt is $22,444. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,994 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile
Suny At Binghamton placed #44 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. The median General Education program debt is $20,691. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median General Education program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Central Florida placed #46 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Students borrow a median of $21,620 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Central Florida report
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Idaho ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Moscow, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Typical General Education student debt is $23,844. Median earnings reach $54,670 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. University Of Idaho has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on University Of Idaho
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Capella University profile
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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