2026 Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD

Goucher College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,023 ten years after entry. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Goucher College

#2

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#3

Winona State University

Winona, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Winona State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Winona State University

#4

Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, KY

Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Union College Kentucky landed the #4 spot. Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit school based in Barbourville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,946. Typical General Education student debt is $27,852. Union College Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $42,002 a decade after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Union College Kentucky

#5

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

A rank of #5 makes Walden University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. 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. See the full Walden University profile

#6

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile

#7

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,291 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of North Alabama report

#8

Post University

Waterbury, CT

Post University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Post University is a private for-profit school based in Waterbury, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,922. Students borrow a median of $35,364 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. That is a strong return on a $35,364 median debt. Read the full report on Post University

#9

Messiah College

Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah College placed #9 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Messiah College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mechanicsburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. The median General Education program debt is $26,195. Messiah College alumni report median earnings of $54,064 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,195 median debt. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Messiah College

#10

Saint Michaels College

Colchester, VT

Saint Michaels College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,450. Saint Michaels College General Education students take on a median of $26,640 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,317. Set against $26,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Saint Michaels College profile

#11

California State University Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento placed #11 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. The median General Education program debt is $17,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full California State University Sacramento report

#12

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical General Education student debt is $42,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $42,160 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile

#13

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile

#14

Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts

North Adams, MA

Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in North Adams, MA, Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,436, with out-of-state students paying around $21,381. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $48,102 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Massachusetts College Of Liberal Arts

#15

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. The median General Education program debt is $25,531. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report

#16

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. The median General Education program debt is $23,709. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,677 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,709 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Azusa Pacific University

#17

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University placed #17 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Median earnings reach $64,372 ten years out. Read more about Claremont Graduate University

#18

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,220, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,340 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Frostburg State University

#19

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. California State University Fresno General Education students take on a median of $15,598 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Fresno

#20

Northcentral University

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,594. Typical General Education student debt is $42,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,414. That is a strong return on a $42,500 median debt. Read the full report on Northcentral University

#22

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $25,306. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#23

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

Baltimore, MD

College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,360. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland

#24

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS

Jackson State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jackson, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,965, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. Students borrow a median of $32,944 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Jackson State University

#25

University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #25 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. The median General Education program debt is $26,162. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham report

#26

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh General Education students take on a median of $24,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

#27

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles placed #27 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their General Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on California State University Los Angeles

#28

Salem State University

Salem, MA

Salem State University placed #28 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salem, MA. Students from in state pay about $12,338 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Typical General Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Salem State University

#29

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Northwest General Education students take on a median of $25,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile

#30

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley General Education students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

#31

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#32

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University placed #32 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median General Education program debt is $24,211. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,211 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University

#33

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. University Of Memphis General Education students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis

#34

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical General Education student debt is $21,818. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile

#35

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #35 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University General Education students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,518 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Ball State University

#36

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median General Education program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#37

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Typical General Education student debt is $22,803. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. More on Auburn University

#38

University Of Portland

Portland, OR

University Of Portland landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Portland, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. The median General Education program debt is $23,169. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,804 ten years after entry. Set against $23,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Portland admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Portland report

#39

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical General Education student debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#40

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Jacksonville State University is a public school based in Jacksonville, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,894, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. The median General Education program debt is $24,751. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,235. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jacksonville State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Jacksonville State University

#41

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical General Education student debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#42

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University

#42

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. 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. Nova Southeastern University General Education students take on a median of $25,021 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Nova Southeastern University

#44

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mississippi State University profile

#45

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hempstead, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,660. Hofstra University General Education students take on a median of $24,848 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,039 ten years after entry. Set against $24,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Hofstra University

#46

University Of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical General Education student debt is $21,620. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile

#46

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University placed #46 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clarksville, TN. Students from in state pay about $9,006 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Students borrow a median of $24,530 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,301. That is a strong return on a $24,530 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Austin Peay State University

#48

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Typical General Education student debt is $24,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

#49

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee General Education students take on a median of $30,990 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Set against $30,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile

#50

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. The median General Education program debt is $23,013. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,967. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington profile

#50

University Of Montevallo

Montevallo, AL

University Of Montevallo placed #50 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Montevallo, AL, University Of Montevallo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,948, with out-of-state students paying around $26,968. The median General Education program debt is $25,096. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,957 ten years after entry. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Montevallo admits about 54% of applicants. Get the full University Of Montevallo report