2026 Best Value Taxation Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Taxation master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 131 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Business Degree Central analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Taxation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Northern Illinois University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Taxation master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Taxation students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
A rank of #2 makes Villanova University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Villanova University Taxation students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on Villanova University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Students borrow a median of $24,701 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,701 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
A rank of #4 makes Capital University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,269 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,143. Set against $28,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Capital University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Capital University
Out of the 131 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Gonzaga University landed the #5 spot. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University Taxation students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Golden Gate University San Francisco came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,343 in tuition and fees. Golden Gate University San Francisco Taxation students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Golden Gate University San Francisco report
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Depaul University
Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration placed #8 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $22,629. Students borrow a median of $16,728 to complete their Taxation program here. Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration alumni report median earnings of $72,081 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,728 median debt. Read the full report on Walsh College Of Accountancy And Business Administration
San Jose State University placed #9 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Taxation students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #11 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,273 to complete their Taxation program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Taxation students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Temple University report
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $25,611 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of San Diego placed #14 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, University Of San Diego is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete their Taxation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,522. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of San Diego profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Taxation student debt is $25,347. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
California State University East Bay ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. California State University East Bay Taxation students take on a median of $18,073 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. See the full California State University East Bay profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. University Of Colorado Denver Taxation students take on a median of $26,582 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical Taxation student debt is $22,444. Median earnings reach $50,994 ten years out. Set against $22,444 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mississippi Main Campus admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus profile
Thomas Jefferson University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,355. Graduates carry a median of $32,256 in student loans. Thomas Jefferson University alumni report median earnings of $77,449 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,256 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Thomas Jefferson University report
University Of North Texas ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Le Moyne College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Syracuse, NY, Le Moyne College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,330. Le Moyne College Taxation students take on a median of $25,739 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,731. Set against $25,739 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on Le Moyne College
Goldey Beacom College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wilmington, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,940. Typical Taxation student debt is $20,743. Median earnings reach $59,892 ten years out. Set against $20,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Goldey Beacom College
University Of New Haven came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. University Of New Haven Taxation students take on a median of $26,244 in debt. University Of New Haven alumni report median earnings of $60,126 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,244 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of New Haven profile
Southern Methodist University placed #24 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Typical Taxation student debt is $20,712. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Taxation Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California State University Northridge ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete their Taxation program here. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. More on California State University Northridge
University Of Baltimore landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $23,984. The median Taxation program debt is $29,681. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,335 ten years after entry. Set against $29,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about University Of Baltimore
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,688. Northeastern University Global Network Taxation students take on a median of $27,055 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
Yeshiva University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in New York, NY, Yeshiva University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,800. Yeshiva University Taxation students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,353. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Yeshiva University report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical Taxation student debt is $23,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Mississippi State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Mississippi State University Taxation students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Taxation program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #32 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Taxation students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Portland State University placed #34 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Portland State University
Cuny Bernard M Baruch College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,464, with out-of-state students paying around $15,414. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College Taxation students take on a median of $11,691 in debt. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College alumni report median earnings of $75,971 a decade after entry. Set against $11,691 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College has an acceptance rate of 48%. See the full Cuny Bernard M Baruch College profile
Florida Atlantic University placed #34 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,746 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. More on Florida Atlantic University
Baylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Typical Taxation student debt is $23,928. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 51%. Read the full report on Baylor University
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Typical Taxation student debt is $21,632. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Robert Morris University placed #39 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Located in Moon Township, PA, Robert Morris University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,770. Typical Taxation student debt is $26,748. Robert Morris University alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Set against $26,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Robert Morris University report
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
The University Of Alabama placed #41 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete their Taxation program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. Set against $24,496 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
Fordham University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Fordham University Taxation students take on a median of $25,643 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of New Orleans landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. University Of New Orleans Taxation students take on a median of $23,048 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,872 ten years out. Set against $23,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of New Orleans
American University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. American University Taxation students take on a median of $24,139 in debt. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Get the full American University report
Weber State University placed #45 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete their Taxation program here. Median earnings reach $56,287 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt. Read the full report on Weber State University
Arizona State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Taxation program debt is $21,842. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
Suny At Albany ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Taxation schools. Based in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Typical Taxation student debt is $23,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,979. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny At Albany
Eastern Michigan University placed #48 among the best-value Taxation schools in the United States. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Bentley University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Waltham, MA, Bentley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,000. Graduates carry a median of $25,476 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $120,959. Set against $25,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bentley University admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on Bentley University
Georgia State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Typical Taxation student debt is $26,091. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Georgia State University profile
Related Taxation Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Taxation Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Taxation Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Taxation Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 131 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).