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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for general education students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general education degrees they offer, see the list below.
York County Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value general education schools in Maine. Located in the suburb of Wells, York County Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. General Education graduates carry a median of $12,757 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $35,803. Set against $12,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Central Maine Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,140, compared with $7,020 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,700 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Central Maine Community College earn a median of $43,934 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,700 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Maine Community College earned it the #3 place for general education. Eastern Maine Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Bangor. In-state tuition and fees average $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $17,741. General Education graduates of Eastern Maine Community College earn a median of $52,263 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Maine Community College one of the best values for general education. Located in the city of South Portland, Southern Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Students borrow a median of $12,987 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Southern Maine Community College generally make around $28,061. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maine earned it the #5 place for general education. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,984 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $47,975. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Saint Josephs College Of Maine landed the #6 spot for general education value this year. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Standish. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,420. Students borrow a median of $26,625 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $58,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of New England placed #7 among the best values for general education. Set in the suburb of Biddeford, University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,210. Students borrow a median of $26,838 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of New England generally make around $57,478. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.