2026 Best Value General Schools

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

Leading the list is University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, our #1 best value for general in the United States. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. General graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Early-career general graduates make about $66,254. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #2 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for general. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete the general program here. Early-career general graduates make about $50,834. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

3

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Arizona University earned it the #3 place for general. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. General graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Early-career general graduates make about $47,056. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bowling Green State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for general. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. General graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general degree recipients from Bowling Green State University Main Campus generally make around $45,196. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.

5

Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN

A rank of #5 makes Wabash College one of the best values for general. Set in the town of Crawfordsville, Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,800 in tuition and fees. General graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General graduates of Wabash College earn a median of $40,138 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.