by our College Data Analytics Team
[Ethnic Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong ethnic studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for ethnic studies students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the ethnic studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Gallaudet University the best value for a degree in ethnic studies in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, Gallaudet University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,654. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $28,125 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $31,541. That is a strong return on a $28,125 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
American University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of American University earn a median of $46,206 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Howard University one of the best values for ethnic studies. Set in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,810. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $25,498 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $58,495. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Howard University admits about 41% of applicants.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
