2026 Best Value General Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor tops our 2026 list of the best value general schools in the United States. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for general graduates is $19,137. General graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #2 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for general. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical student debt for general graduates is $21,861. General graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general schools. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical student debt for general graduates is $21,645. General graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

A rank of #4 makes Bowling Green State University Main Campus one of the best values for general. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $25,449 to complete the general program here. Early-career general graduates make about $45,196. That is a strong return on a $25,449 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.

5

Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN

A rank of #5 makes Wabash College one of the best values for general. Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Crawfordsville. In-state tuition and fees average $50,800. General graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general degree recipients from Wabash College generally make around $40,138. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.