by our College Data Analytics Team
[Liberal Arts](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/liberal-arts/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for liberal arts students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in liberal arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Turtle Mountain Community College the best value for a degree in liberal arts in North Dakota. Set in the rural area of Belcourt, Turtle Mountain Community College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,794. Median earnings reach $32,079 ten years out.
Williston State College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts schools. Williston State College is a small public school located in the town of Williston. Students from in state pay about $6,114 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the liberal arts program here. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $31,871. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Bismarck State College one of the best values for liberal arts. Located in the city of Bismarck, Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $33,358. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Cankdeska Cikana Community College one of the best values for liberal arts. Located in the rural area of Fort Totten, Cankdeska Cikana Community College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,950. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $17,008.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State College Of Science earned it the #5 place for liberal arts. North Dakota State College Of Science is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Wahpeton. In-state tuition and fees average $5,974, with out-of-state students paying around $6,973. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, liberal arts degree recipients from North Dakota State College Of Science generally make around $31,521. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lake Region State College came in at #6 for value in liberal arts this year. Lake Region State College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Devils Lake. Students from in state pay about $5,520 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for liberal arts graduates is $11,697. Liberal Arts graduates of Lake Region State College earn a median of $19,014 early in their careers. Set against $11,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Dakota College At Bottineau earned the #7 position for value in liberal arts this year. Dakota College At Bottineau is a small public school located in the rural area of Bottineau. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,388, with out-of-state students paying around $6,294. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $66,195. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Dickinson State University landed the #8 spot for liberal arts value this year. Dickinson State University is a small public school located in the town of Dickinson. In-state tuition and fees average $9,118. Liberal Arts graduates carry a median of $27,266 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts graduates make about $51,049. Set against $27,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.