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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for general studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Kennebec Valley Community College, our #1 best value for general studies in Maine. Set in the town of Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $15,000. Early-career general studies graduates make about $32,448. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt.
Central Maine Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Auburn, Central Maine Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,140, while out-of-state students pay about $7,020. Students borrow a median of $15,575 to complete the general studies program here. General Studies graduates of Central Maine Community College earn a median of $31,646 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Maine At Farmington one of the best values for general studies. Set in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,308, compared with $23,878 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $25,703 in student loans. General Studies graduates of University Of Maine At Farmington earn a median of $35,414 early in their careers. Set against $25,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maine earned it the #4 place for general studies. University Of Maine is a large public school located in the suburb of Orono. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $21,166. General Studies graduates of University Of Maine earn a median of $34,404 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general studies will find it at Husson University, which ranked #5. Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bangor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,304. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $31,000. General Studies graduates of Husson University earn a median of $36,809 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.