2026 Best Value American U.S. Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

University Of Maryland College Park
College Park, MD

For return on investment in american u.s. studies, no school beat University Of Maryland College Park this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public school located in the suburb of College Park. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $22,250. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $24,699. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

2

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value american u.s. studies schools. Towson University is a very large public school located in the city of Towson. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $21,241. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $50,370. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.

3

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia University In The City Of New York earned it the #3 place for american u.s. studies. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $22,486 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $41,903. That is a strong return on a $22,486 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick is a great value for students pursuing a degree in american u.s. studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $25,973 in student loans. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $21,409. That is a strong return on a $25,973 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

5

Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA

Dickinson College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value american u.s. studies schools. Dickinson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Carlisle. In-state tuition and fees average $65,650. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $19,802 in student loans. American U.s. Studies graduates of Dickinson College earn a median of $32,722 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,802 median debt. Dickinson College admits about 42% of applicants.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value american u.s. studies schools. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $17,625 in student loans. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $43,831. That is a strong return on a $17,625 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.

7

New York University
New York, NY

New York University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value american u.s. studies schools. New York University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,250 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. American U.s. Studies graduates of New York University earn a median of $51,233 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

George Washington University
Washington, DC

George Washington University came in at #8 for value in american u.s. studies this year. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $25,500. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $73,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

9

Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY

Vassar College came in at #9 for value in american u.s. studies this year. Vassar College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Poughkeepsie. Students from in state pay about $71,030 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $18,486. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $22,741. Set against $18,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vassar College admits about 19% of applicants.

10

Franklin And Marshall College
Lancaster, PA

Franklin And Marshall College earned the #10 position for value in american u.s. studies this year. Set in the city of Lancaster, Franklin And Marshall College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,794. Students borrow a median of $20,411 to complete the american u.s. studies program here. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $43,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Franklin And Marshall College admits about 28% of applicants.

11

Barnard College
New York, NY

Barnard College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value american u.s. studies schools. Barnard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $69,888. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, american u.s. studies degree recipients from Barnard College generally make around $34,142. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

12

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University landed the #12 spot for american u.s. studies value this year. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. American U.s. Studies graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Early-career american u.s. studies graduates make about $64,851. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.

13

Fordham University
Bronx, NY

Fordham University placed #13 among the best values for american u.s. studies. Located in the city of Bronx, Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Typical student debt for american u.s. studies graduates is $26,884. American U.s. Studies graduates of Fordham University earn a median of $40,811 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.