2026 Best Value African American Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University tops our 2026 list of the best value african american studies schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. African American Studies graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $52,517. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.

2

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in african american studies will find it at California State University Los Angeles, which ranked #2. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $22,500. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $27,058. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California San Diego earned it the #3 place for african american studies. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $23,747. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $30,984. Set against $23,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.

4

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #4 place for african american studies. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.

5

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

A rank of #5 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values for african american studies. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $17,875. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $31,001. Set against $17,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

6

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #6 spot for african american studies value this year. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $15,740. African American Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $34,559 early in their careers. Set against $15,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

7

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #7 for value in african american studies this year. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the african american studies program here. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $68,501. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

8

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #8 position for value in african american studies this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the african american studies program here. African American Studies graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $45,247 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #9 for value in african american studies this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $49,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

10

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany came in at #10 for value in african american studies this year. Located in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $26,000. Early-career african american studies graduates make about $29,823. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.

11

Cuny Graduate School And University Center
New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned the #11 position for value in african american studies this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. African American Studies graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. African American Studies graduates of Cuny Graduate School And University Center earn a median of $51,133 early in their careers. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

12

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama earned the #12 position for value in african american studies this year. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for african american studies graduates is $24,496. Soon after graduation, african american studies degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $50,740. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

13

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value african american studies schools. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $13,107 to complete the african american studies program here. African American Studies graduates of Yale University earn a median of $32,624 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants.