by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/education-general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value general education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Highland Community College Highland earned the #1 spot for value among general education schools in Kansas. Highland Community College Highland is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Highland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,495. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $22,909. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fort Hays State University earned it the #2 place for general education. Located in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. General Education graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $50,872 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Kansas State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,546 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of $51,543 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tabor College earned it the #4 place for general education. Tabor College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. Students from in state pay about $36,200 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,058. The acceptance rate is 65%.
A rank of #5 makes Baker University one of the best values for general education. Located in the rural area of Baldwin City, Baker University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,200. General Education graduates carry a median of $29,554 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $54,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.