by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/education-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general education schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Klamath Community College the best value for a degree in general education in Oregon. Klamath Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Klamath Falls. Students from in state pay about $4,965 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,025. General Education graduates carry a median of $14,644 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $24,370. That is a strong return on a $14,644 median debt.
Portland State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,475. Early-career general education graduates make about $50,274. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Oregon University earned it the #3 place for general education. Southern Oregon University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ashland. Students from in state pay about $12,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,887. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Southern Oregon University generally make around $56,157. Set against $24,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Western Oregon University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #4 spot this year. Western Oregon University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Monmouth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,514, while out-of-state students pay about $32,169. General Education graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. General Education graduates of Western Oregon University earn a median of $43,879 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Oregon State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $49,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
University Of Oregon ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $20,096. Early-career general education graduates make about $23,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Corban University landed the #7 spot for general education value this year. Located in the city of Salem, Corban University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $37,963. General Education graduates carry a median of $26,528 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $43,558. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Corban University admits about 94% of applicants.
Pacific University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the suburb of Forest Grove, Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $56,374. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Pacific University earn a median of $34,067 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Portland earned the #9 position for value in general education this year. University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,169 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Portland generally make around $51,984. That is a strong return on a $23,169 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.