2026 Best Value Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Other Education doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 317 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 reviewed 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 Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Olivet Nazarene University this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
A rank of #2 makes Columbus State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbus State University report
A rank of #3 makes University Of West Georgia one of the best values in the United States. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. The median Other Education program debt is $26,789. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
A rank of #4 makes Xavier University one of the best values in the United States. Xavier University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Graduates carry a median of $26,614 in student loans. Xavier University alumni report median earnings of $64,873 a decade after entry. Set against $26,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Xavier University
You'll get strong value at University Of West Alabama, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. Typical Other Education student debt is $31,894. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of West Alabama
Universidad Del Turabo landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Other Education students take on a median of $14,155 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Turabo
Missouri Baptist University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,122 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,337 to complete their Other Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,660 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri Baptist University report
Rowan University placed #8 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $24,488 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
Webster University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Other Education students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,360. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland Other Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,344 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median Other Education program debt is $24,161. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #12 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Our Lady Of Holy Cross College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Orleans, LA, Our Lady Of Holy Cross College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,576 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $43,500 to complete their Other Education program here. Median earnings reach $49,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $43,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Our Lady Of Holy Cross College
Sam Houston State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Other Education student debt is $24,850. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
University Of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $23,923 in student loans. University Of St Thomas Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $73,739 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of St Thomas Minnesota profile
Old Dominion University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Set in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their Other Education program here. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Old Dominion University
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Other Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Fordham University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. The median Other Education program debt is $25,643. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Fordham University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Wright State University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Wright State University Main Campus Other Education students take on a median of $25,836 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wright State University Main Campus
University Of South Alabama landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. The median Other Education program debt is $26,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Alabama
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #22 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Typical Other Education student debt is $23,659. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Clemson University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Other Education students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Other Education student debt is $27,981. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Other Education Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Regent University placed #26 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Regent University Other Education students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Regent University
Northwestern University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Other Education program here. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. See the full Northwestern University profile
Grambling State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Grambling State University is a public school based in Grambling, LA. Students from in state pay about $7,683 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,706 for out-of-state students. The median Other Education program debt is $40,941. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,109. That is a strong return on a $40,941 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grambling State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Located 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, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. The median Other Education program debt is $22,754. Median earnings reach $48,541 ten years out. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Typical Other Education student debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Other Education students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #33 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,738 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. Set against $19,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. The median Other Education program debt is $24,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Other Education student debt is $28,838. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Drexel University
Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. The median Other Education program debt is $20,712. Median earnings reach $78,354 ten years out. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Methodist University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Durham, NH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Students borrow a median of $26,368 to complete their Other Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Typical Other Education student debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
University Of Connecticut came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,637 to complete their Other Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,997 ten years after entry. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Connecticut
Roosevelt University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Roosevelt University
Saint Leo University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Saint Leo University report
Stevenson University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Stevenson University
Worcester State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on Worcester State University
Grace College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
Westminster College Utah came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on Westminster College Utah
Fort Lewis College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Fort Lewis College
Hillsborough Community College placed #48 among the best-value Other Education schools in the United States. Read the full report on Hillsborough Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Education schools. Get the full Lake Tahoe Community College report
Merrimack College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Merrimack College profile
Related Other Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Other Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Other Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other 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 317 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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