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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Educational Leadership & Administration Schools in the The Plains States Region

41 Colleges in the United States
$25,348 Avg Student Debt
$55,582 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Educational Leadership & Administration Badge [General Educational Leadership & Administration](/majors/education/educational-administration/educational-leadership-and-administration-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 84 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general educational leadership & administration students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Educational Leadership & Administration Schools in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general educational leadership & administration, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Educational Leadership & Administration Schools

1

Wichita State University earned the #1 spot for value among general educational leadership & administration schools in the The Plains States Region. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $64,332. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in general educational leadership & administration will find it at University Of Nebraska At Omaha, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $21,783. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $62,003 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants.

3

University Of Missouri Kansas City is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general educational leadership & administration, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from University Of Missouri Kansas City generally make around $49,343. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.

4

Fort Hays State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general educational leadership & administration, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $25,967 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $56,676. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $25,943. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $54,832. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%.

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6

University Of Northern Iowa earned the #6 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $22,635. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $73,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

7

Saint Cloud State University landed the #7 spot for general educational leadership & administration value this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $76,970. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

8

Wayne State College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. Set in the town of Wayne, Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $65,798. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt.

9

Northwest Missouri State University earned the #9 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $23,585. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $48,736. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

10

Southeast Missouri State University earned the #10 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Located in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $46,212 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

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North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #11 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Set in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $25,153. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $61,245. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

12

Emporia State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $60,072 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

13

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #13 for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Set in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $22,173. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $64,502. Set against $22,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

14

University Of Central Missouri earned the #14 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $24,304 in student loans. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $51,420 early in their careers. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

15

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $18,980 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $82,742. Set against $18,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

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16

Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #16 spot for general educational leadership & administration value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of Concordia University Saint Paul earn a median of $54,835 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

17

University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned the #17 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $68,422. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

18
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO

Park University landed the #18 spot for general educational leadership & administration value this year. Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Parkville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from Park University generally make around $45,898. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $70,677 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

20

Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #20 among the best values for general educational leadership & administration. Set in the suburb of Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $24,447. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from Minnesota State University Moorhead generally make around $71,658. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants.

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21

Kansas State University earned the #21 position for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $23,546. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $59,907. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.

22

Northern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value general educational leadership & administration schools. Set in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of Northern State University earn a median of $45,824 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants.

23

Iowa State University came in at #23 for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. General Educational Leadership & Administration graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $53,900 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

24

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #24 spot for general educational leadership & administration value this year. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical student debt for general educational leadership & administration graduates is $24,408. Early-career general educational leadership & administration graduates make about $47,570. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

25

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #25 for value in general educational leadership & administration this year. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete the general educational leadership & administration program here. Soon after graduation, general educational leadership & administration degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $74,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value General Educational Leadership & Administration Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for general educational leadership & administration this year:

26
University Of Mary crest
University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND
27
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
28
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO
29
30
Evangel University crest
Evangel University
Springfield, MO
31
32
33
34
35
36
Jamestown College crest
Jamestown College
Jamestown, ND
37
38
39
Rockhurst University crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO
40
41
Baker University crest
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS
42
43
Morningside College crest
Morningside College
Sioux City, IA
44
45
46
Dordt College crest
Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA
47
Midland University crest
Midland University
Fremont, NE
48
49
50

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 84 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 41 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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