2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools in the New England Region

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Leading the list is Harvard University, our #1 best value for ethnic studies in the New England Region. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $95,207 early in their careers. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.

2

Amherst College
Amherst, MA

Amherst College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Set in the city of Amherst, Amherst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $18,032. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $40,120. That is a strong return on a $18,032 median debt. Amherst College admits about 9% of applicants.

3

University Of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI

University Of Rhode Island came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Set in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of University Of Rhode Island earn a median of $28,181 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

University Of Massachusetts Boston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Students borrow a median of $26,965 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $41,872. Set against $26,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

5

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $53,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.

6

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

Southern Connecticut State University earned the #6 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Southern Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the city of New Haven. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,442, while out-of-state students pay about $16,942. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $24,660 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Southern Connecticut State University earn a median of $50,876 early in their careers. Set against $24,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Connecticut State University admits about 92% of applicants.

7

Smith College
Northampton, MA

Smith College placed #7 among the best values for ethnic studies. Set in the city of Northampton, Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,178. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Smith College earn a median of $19,105 early in their careers. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 21%.

8

Yale University
New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #8 for value in ethnic studies this year. Set in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $13,107 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Yale University earn a median of $32,624 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,107 median debt. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants.

9

Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT

Wesleyan University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the city of Middletown, Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,042 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $16,125. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Wesleyan University generally make around $39,764. That is a strong return on a $16,125 median debt. Wesleyan University admits about 16% of applicants.

10

Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College placed #10 among the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. Students borrow a median of $15,157 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Dartmouth College generally make around $31,967. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

11

Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA

Mount Holyoke College earned the #11 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Located in the suburb of South Hadley, Mount Holyoke College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,018. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $22,041. Ethnic Studies graduates of Mount Holyoke College earn a median of $35,038 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,041 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.

12

Brandeis University
Waltham, MA

Brandeis University came in at #12 for value in ethnic studies this year. Located in the city of Waltham, Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,226 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of Brandeis University earn a median of $35,057 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,226 median debt. Brandeis University admits about 40% of applicants.