by our College Data Analytics Team
[Ethnic Studies](/majors/ethnic-cultural-gender-studies/ethnic-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value ethnic studies schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the ethnic studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Phoenix College the best value for a degree in ethnic studies in Arizona. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,204 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $51,053. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Northern Arizona University one of the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $21,645. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $47,056. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Arizona State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $40,719. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Arizona came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $25,219. Ethnic Studies graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $26,875 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.