by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 10 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value ethnic studies schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the ethnic studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Haskell Indian Nations University earned the #1 spot for value among ethnic studies schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Lawrence, Haskell Indian Nations University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $600 in tuition and fees. Ethnic Studies graduates of Haskell Indian Nations University earn a median of $23,887 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Oglala Lakota College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Set in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,684. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $22,517.
Grinnell College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $17,154 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Grinnell College earn a median of $38,888 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned it the #4 place for ethnic studies. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $21,964. Ethnic Studies graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $33,000 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,964 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Kansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $56,289. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #6 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $24,624. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $41,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #7 among the best values for ethnic studies. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $24,585 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $53,088 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,585 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #8 among the best values for ethnic studies. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $21,500. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $37,389. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Washington University In St Louis earned the #9 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Soon after graduation, ethnic studies degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $16,635. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
University Of Iowa came in at #10 for value in ethnic studies this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $26,500. Ethnic Studies graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $34,216 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.