by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 10 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Manchester Community College Nh earned the #1 spot for value among general studies schools in New Hampshire. Set in the city of Manchester, Manchester Community College Nh is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,340. Median earnings reach $49,063 ten years out.
Nashua Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general studies schools. Nashua Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Nashua. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,140, compared with $15,390 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. General Studies graduates of Nashua Community College earn a median of $18,497 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt.
White Mountains Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #3 spot this year. White Mountains Community College is a small public school located in the town of Berlin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, with out-of-state students paying around $15,300. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $18,250. General Studies graduates of White Mountains Community College earn a median of $60,162 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Great Bay Community College one of the best values for general studies. Great Bay Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Portsmouth. Students from in state pay about $7,200 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,450 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $12,500. Early-career general studies graduates make about $35,497. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lakes Region Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Laconia, Lakes Region Community College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $6,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,970. Median earnings reach $51,182 ten years out.
Nhti Concords Community College came in at #6 for value in general studies this year. Located in the town of Concord, Nhti Concords Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,200, compared with $15,450 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $14,098. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Nhti Concords Community College generally make around $30,403. That is a strong return on a $14,098 median debt.
Southern New Hampshire University earned the #7 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the suburb of Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,200. General Studies graduates carry a median of $24,338 in student loans. General Studies graduates of Southern New Hampshire University earn a median of $49,573 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,338 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
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This list is compiled 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.