by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 17 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying general education schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send general education graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
For graduate earnings in general education, no school beat Grand Canyon University this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. General Education graduates of Grand Canyon University earn a median of about $77,342 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at Dallas Baptist University earned it the #2 place for general education. Located in the city of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, general education degree recipients from Dallas Baptist University typically earn about $69,848 annually.
Concordia University Texas came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general education schools. Set in the city of Austin, Concordia University Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from Concordia University Texas make a median of around $66,485 per year.
Arizona State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a public institution. General Education graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of about $93,596 a year early in their careers.
Arizona State University Skysong produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general education, landing the #5 spot this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school located in the city of Scottsdale. After graduating, general education degree recipients from Arizona State University Skysong typically earn about $93,596 annually.
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #6 for general education graduate earnings this year. Set in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. General Education graduates of Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earn a median of about $59,655 a year early in their careers.
East Texas Baptist University came in at #7 for general education graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Marshall, East Texas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from East Texas Baptist University make a median of around $58,233 per year.
University Of The Incarnate Word earned the #8 position for general education graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. General Education graduates of University Of The Incarnate Word earn a median of about $57,743 a year early in their careers.
University Of North Texas earned the #9 position for general education graduate earnings this year. University Of North Texas is a public school located in the city of Denton. Students who complete the general education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $59,237.
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #10 among the highest-paying schools for general education. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school located in the city of Arlington. After graduating, general education degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Arlington typically earn about $56,157 annually.
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for general education salaries this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. After graduating, general education degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus typically earn about $55,742 annually.
Sul Ross State University placed #12 among the highest-paying schools for general education. Located in the town of Alpine, Sul Ross State University is a public institution. Students who complete the general education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $55,540.
Texas Womans University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general education schools. Set in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students who complete the general education program here go on to a median salary of roughly $56,213.
Schreiner University placed #14 among the highest-paying schools for general education. Set in the town of Kerrville, Schreiner University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from Schreiner University make a median of around $52,572 per year.
Abilene Christian University came in at #15 for general education graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from Abilene Christian University make a median of around $53,628 per year.
Texas Wesleyan University landed the #16 spot for general education salaries this year. Set in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general education graduates from Texas Wesleyan University make a median of around $53,233 per year.
University Of Arizona ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general education schools. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Early-career general education graduates from University Of Arizona make a median of around $50,100 per year.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their general education graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 17 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.