2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Master’s Degree Schools

1

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University earned the #1 spot for value among individualized studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $21,241. Individualized Studies graduates of Towson University earn a median of $50,370 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

2

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a great value for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #2 spot this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $25,993. Individualized Studies graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $48,700 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.

3

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earned it the #3 place for individualized studies. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $64,717. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

4

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Stony Brook University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Stony Brook. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $20,537. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Stony Brook University generally make around $74,387. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.

5

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $84,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

6

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #6 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $19,052. Individualized Studies graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $94,745 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants.

7

Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $16,989 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Dartmouth College generally make around $81,992. Set against $16,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

8

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #8 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $42,350 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $62,334 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $42,350 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

9

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $68,293. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

10

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #10 for value in individualized studies this year. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $13,296. Individualized Studies graduates of Duke University earn a median of $51,346 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

11

New York University
New York, NY

New York University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. New York University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $21,787 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of New York University earn a median of $40,856 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,787 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

12

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $66,719 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted.

13

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University came in at #13 for value in individualized studies this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $57,967. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.

14

Tulane University Of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA

Tulane University Of Louisiana ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,678 in tuition and fees. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Tulane University Of Louisiana generally make around $54,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.