[Ethnic Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/) 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 162 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value ethnic studies schools.
Finding the Best Value Ethnic Studies School for You
The right ethnic studies school can pay off for years to come. That is why we developed our Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
Princeton University tops our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $10,888. Ethnic Studies graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $67,532 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
Cuny Hunter College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $10,698. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $34,007. Set against $10,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Cuny Brooklyn College one of the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $14,094 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $32,083. That is a strong return on a $14,094 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fresno earned it the #4 place for ethnic studies. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $49,502. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
West Valley College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. West Valley College is a large public school located in the suburb of Saratoga. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $0, with out-of-state students paying around $9,320. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $14,308. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from West Valley College generally make around $25,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Santa Monica College earned the #6 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Located in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,708 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193.
California State University Los Angeles came in at #7 for value in ethnic studies this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $27,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Florida landed the #8 spot for ethnic studies value this year. University Of Florida is a very large public school located in the city of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $26,198 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
Cerritos College came in at #9 for value in ethnic studies this year. Set in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Students borrow a median of $11,306 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt.
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #10 for value in ethnic studies this year. Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Rosa. In-state tuition and fees average $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $80,047. That is a strong return on a $14,692 median debt.
Kapiolani Community College earned the #11 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Set in the city of Honolulu, Kapiolani Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,284, compared with $8,420 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,738 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Kapiolani Community College generally make around $48,210. That is a strong return on a $14,738 median debt.
California State University Northridge landed the #12 spot for ethnic studies value this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $26,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
De Anza College placed #13 among the best values for ethnic studies. De Anza College is a very large public school located in the city of Cupertino. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,571, compared with $12,596 for out-of-state students. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $7,271 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,596. That is a strong return on a $7,271 median debt.
Cuny City College came in at #14 for value in ethnic studies this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Students borrow a median of $20,532 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $26,973. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.
California State University Fullerton landed the #15 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $19,000. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $25,305. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Foothill College placed #16 among the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills, Foothill College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,565, compared with $12,590 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $11,595. Ethnic Studies graduates of Foothill College earn a median of $94,152 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,595 median debt.
Citrus College placed #17 among the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the suburb of Glendora, Citrus College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,204 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,636. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,065.
Mt San Antonio College placed #18 among the best values for ethnic studies. Mt San Antonio College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Walnut. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $9,384 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $44,391. Set against $9,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
California State University East Bay landed the #19 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $18,638. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from California State University East Bay generally make around $47,511. That is a strong return on a $18,638 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Diablo Valley College landed the #20 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Diablo Valley College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pleasant Hill. Students from in state pay about $1,312 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,320. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $9,205 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $27,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
California State University San Marcos ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $17,527. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from California State University San Marcos generally make around $48,726. Set against $17,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants.
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College landed the #22 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $8,794. Ethnic Studies graduates of Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College earn a median of $30,111 early in their careers. Set against $8,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fullerton College placed #23 among the best values for ethnic studies. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,151, while out-of-state students pay about $12,379. Median earnings reach $43,366 ten years out.
California State University Sacramento ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Students borrow a median of $18,120 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $30,628. Set against $18,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University placed #25 among the best values for ethnic studies. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Durant. Students from in state pay about $7,200 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $18,660 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $62,250. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in ethnic studies:
This list is compiled 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 · 162 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 162 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[Ethnic Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
