2026 Best Value Learning Sciences Master’s Degree Schools

1

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

For return on investment in learning sciences, no school beat Western Governors University this year. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the learning sciences program here. Early-career learning sciences graduates make about $74,771. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in learning sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete the learning sciences program here. Early-career learning sciences graduates make about $65,681. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the best values for learning sciences. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Learning Sciences graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Early-career learning sciences graduates make about $61,829. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

4

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value learning sciences schools. Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Typical student debt for learning sciences graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, learning sciences degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

5

University Of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD

University Of Maryland University College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in learning sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Adelphi, University Of Maryland University College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $23,276 to complete the learning sciences program here. Soon after graduation, learning sciences degree recipients from University Of Maryland University College generally make around $65,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in learning sciences this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Learning Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Early-career learning sciences graduates make about $58,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

7

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #7 among the best values for learning sciences. Located in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Students borrow a median of $19,738 to complete the learning sciences program here. Soon after graduation, learning sciences degree recipients from University Of New Mexico Main Campus generally make around $68,353. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

8

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value learning sciences schools. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the learning sciences program here. Learning Sciences graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

9

National University
San Diego, CA

National University placed #9 among the best values for learning sciences. Set in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete the learning sciences program here. Early-career learning sciences graduates make about $69,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #10 position for value in learning sciences this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the learning sciences program here. Learning Sciences graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $91,029 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.