by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 15 schools to find the best return on investment for general studies students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked American Public University System the best value for a degree in general studies in the United States. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $6,195. Early-career general studies graduates make about $50,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at Middle Tennessee State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $29,723 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $55,570. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Memphis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $38,972 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $55,105 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $38,972 median debt. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Tennessee Technological University earned it the #4 place for general studies. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. General Studies graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $63,938. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee Technological University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from University Of Chicago generally make around $26,094. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.
San Diego State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,496 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. That is a strong return on a $12,496 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Arizona State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. General Studies graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $39,198. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Tennessee State University came in at #8 for value in general studies this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Students borrow a median of $38,562 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Tennessee State University generally make around $37,716. Set against $38,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
Johns Hopkins University landed the #9 spot for general studies value this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $13,426. General Studies graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $45,147 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.
Tiffin University placed #10 among the best values for general studies. Located in the town of Tiffin, Tiffin University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $34,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,977 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Tiffin University earn a median of $51,326 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. General Studies graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. General Studies graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $68,293 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
Depaul University landed the #12 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $42,350. General Studies graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $55,390 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Denver ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Set in the city of Denver, University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. General Studies graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. General Studies graduates of University Of Denver earn a median of $56,999 early in their careers. Set against $22,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Texas Christian University earned the #14 position for value in general studies this year. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career general studies graduates make about $55,687. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%.
Southern Methodist University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $70,632 early in their careers. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.
Explore the best-value general studies schools at other degree levels:
This ranking is produced 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 15 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.