by our College Data Analytics Team
[Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong individualized studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value individualized studies schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the individualized studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Martin Methodist College tops our 2027 list of the best value individualized studies schools in Tennessee. Located in the town of Pulaski, Martin Methodist College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,924. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $23,308 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $40,832. That is a strong return on a $23,308 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cumberland University earned it the #2 place for individualized studies. Located in the town of Lebanon, Cumberland University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,840. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $19,263 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Cumberland University generally make around $23,057. Set against $19,263 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Carson Newman College, which ranked #3. Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Jefferson City. In-state tuition and fees average $34,700. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $12,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Carson Newman College generally make around $48,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Students looking for strong value in individualized studies will find it at Union University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Jackson, Union University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,398 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $20,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Union University generally make around $41,320. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.