2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Missouri

1

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis earned the #1 spot for value among general education schools in Missouri. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. General Education graduates carry a median of $33,449 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $58,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%.

2

Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Missouri University Of Science And Technology earned it the #2 place for general education. Located in the town of Rolla, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Students borrow a median of $25,187 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Missouri University Of Science And Technology earn a median of $74,532 early in their careers. Set against $25,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

3

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Fayette, MO

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Fayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies generally make around $38,945. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

4

Harris Stowe State University
Saint Louis, MO

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Harris Stowe State University, which ranked #4. Harris Stowe State University is a small public school located in the city of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $7,008, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Students borrow a median of $35,478 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $28,500. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. General Education graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $53,134. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6

Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, MO

Fontbonne University landed the #6 spot for general education value this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Fontbonne University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,976. Students borrow a median of $33,503 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Fontbonne University earn a median of $41,164 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $33,503 median debt.

7

Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University earned the #7 position for value in general education this year. Southwest Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Bolivar. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Southwest Baptist University earn a median of $60,463 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.

8

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $17,553. General Education graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $68,303 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.

9

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

Webster University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. General Education graduates carry a median of $27,100 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Webster University generally make around $34,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

10

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Saint Louis University Main Campus earn a median of $36,244 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.