2026 Best Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Education master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 903 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value General Education school in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. Students borrow a median of $25,462 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on La Salle University
A rank of #3 makes Martin Luther College one of the best values in the United States. Based in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. Martin Luther College General Education students take on a median of $20,224 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,224 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Martin Luther College
Worcester State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Education ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Out of the 903 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Morningside College landed the #5 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Morningside College General Education students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Whitworth University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Whitworth University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Whitworth University profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Typical General Education student debt is $27,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Southwest Baptist University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. Southwest Baptist University General Education students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Baptist University
Northwestern College Minnesota placed #9 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Northwestern College Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $37,920. Typical General Education student debt is $23,505. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,755 ten years after entry. Set against $23,505 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern College Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Northwestern College Minnesota
Goucher College placed #10 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Goucher College General Education students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Goucher College
York College Pennsylvania landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. York College Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,012 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
Minot State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Students borrow a median of $25,788 to complete their General Education program here. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. The median General Education program debt is $27,016. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Point Loma Nazarene University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,542 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $63,998 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Grand View University placed #15 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Students borrow a median of $26,941 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $52,824 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand View University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Grand View University report
Hamline University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. The median General Education program debt is $25,000. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Hamline University profile
Wilson College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Wilson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chambersburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wilson College profile
Calvin College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Calvin College General Education students take on a median of $22,707 in debt. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Set against $22,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Calvin College has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Calvin College profile
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $25,819. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Westminster College Pa offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. 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. Westminster College Pa General Education students take on a median of $26,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,861 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Pa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Westminster College Pa
Spring Arbor University placed #22 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spring Arbor, MI. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato General Education students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Valparaiso University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. The median General Education program debt is $26,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies General Education students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Winona State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their General Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Winona State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Education Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Heritage University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Heritage University is a private not-for-profit school based in Toppenish, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,928. Typical General Education student debt is $19,148. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,416. Set against $19,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Heritage University
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. The median General Education program debt is $26,689. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. See the full Wilmington University profile
Bethel University Minnesota ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $25,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Muskingum University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Concord, OH. Students from in state pay about $31,701 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,440. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Muskingum University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Muskingum University report
Mississippi University For Women placed #31 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Typical General Education student debt is $24,509. Mississippi University For Women alumni report median earnings of $46,128 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Gonzaga University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their General Education program here. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Gonzaga University
Cumberland University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,840. Typical General Education student debt is $21,902. Cumberland University alumni report median earnings of $57,687 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Cumberland University
Corban University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Salem, OR, Corban University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,963 in tuition and fees. The median General Education program debt is $26,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,917 ten years after entry. Set against $26,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Corban University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Students borrow a median of $19,277 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus admits about 92% of applicants. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Walden University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. 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. Read the full report on Walden University
Holy Family University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Typical General Education student debt is $26,562. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Holy Family University
University Of Saint Mary placed #38 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Set in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,380. The median General Education program debt is $27,810. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,483 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Saint Mary profile
California Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Graduates carry a median of $28,169 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Set against $28,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants. More on California Baptist University
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,307 to complete their General Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Grand Canyon University placed #41 among the best-value General Education schools in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grand Canyon University
Piedmont College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. The median General Education program debt is $29,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Piedmont College
Harding University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. The median General Education program debt is $40,375. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $40,375 median debt. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Harding University profile
Mckendree University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,740. Typical General Education student debt is $24,362. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,572. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Mckendree University
Montclair State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median General Education program debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Montclair State University
Concordia University Texas ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Austin, TX, Concordia University Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,778. Graduates carry a median of $28,613 in student loans. Concordia University Texas alumni report median earnings of $60,883 a decade after entry. Set against $28,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Concordia University Texas
Clayton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Clayton State University is a public school based in Morrow, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Typical General Education student debt is $35,088. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,179. Set against $35,088 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Clayton State University
Saint Michaels College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Education schools. Based in Colchester, VT, Saint Michaels College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,450. Typical General Education student debt is $26,640. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,317. That is a strong return on a $26,640 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Michaels College profile
California State University Sacramento came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $17,492 in student loans. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Baker University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Baldwin City, KS, Baker University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,200. The median General Education program debt is $29,554. Baker University alumni report median earnings of $63,855 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,554 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Baker University
Converse College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spartanburg, SC, Converse College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,240 in tuition and fees. Typical General Education student debt is $26,715. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,867 ten years after entry. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Converse College has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Converse 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Education Doctoral 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).
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.