by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general education students.
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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 York County Community College the best value for a degree in general education in Maine. Located in the suburb of Wells, York County Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $12,757 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Central Maine Community College one of the best values for general education. Set in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,140, with out-of-state students paying around $7,020. General Education graduates carry a median of $14,700 in student loans. General Education graduates of Central Maine Community College earn a median of $43,934 early in their careers. Set against $14,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Eastern Maine Community College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Bangor, Eastern Maine Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Students borrow a median of $17,741 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Eastern Maine Community College earn a median of $52,263 early in their careers. Set against $17,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Southern Maine Community College, which ranked #4. Southern Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Portland. 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. Early-career general education graduates make about $28,061. Set against $12,987 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at University Of Maine, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Students borrow a median of $25,984 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $47,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Saint Josephs College Of Maine earned the #6 position for value in general education this year. Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Standish. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,420. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,625. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Saint Josephs College Of Maine generally make around $58,894. Set against $26,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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. Students from in state pay about $44,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,838 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of New England earn a median of $57,478 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,838 median debt. 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.