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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 17 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
North Iowa Area Community College earned the #1 spot for value among general studies schools in Iowa. Located in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. General Studies graduates carry a median of $9,335 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $27,433. That is a strong return on a $9,335 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at Marshalltown Community College, which ranked #2. Marshalltown Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marshalltown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,496, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,960 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $29,836. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Iowa Tech Community College earned it the #3 place for general studies. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $14,237. Early-career general studies graduates make about $35,742. That is a strong return on a $14,237 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Iowa Central Community College one of the best values for general studies. Set in the town of Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,330. General Studies graduates of Iowa Central Community College earn a median of $23,747 early in their careers. Set against $11,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwestern Community College Creston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Creston, Southwestern Community College Creston is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,064 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,316 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Southwestern Community College Creston generally make around $46,106. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar earned the #6 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,821. General Studies graduates of Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar earn a median of $29,491 early in their careers. Set against $11,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Des Moines Area Community College earned the #7 position for value in general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $11,000. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $31,453. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.
Ellsworth Community College came in at #8 for value in general studies this year. Set in the town of Iowa Falls, Ellsworth Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Ellsworth Community College earn a median of $22,519 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Western Community College earned the #9 position for value in general studies this year. Located in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Students borrow a median of $11,193 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Iowa Western Community College generally make around $28,291. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Grand View University placed #10 among the best values for general studies. Set in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,762. Students borrow a median of $25,973 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Grand View University earn a median of $45,180 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
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 · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.