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2026 Best Value Business Doctoral Degree Schools

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2026 Best Value Business Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Business doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

To arm you with the information you need, Business Degree Central evaluated 259 schools to build 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 Business Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

#1

Cabrini College

Radnor, PA

Leading the list is Cabrini College, our #1 best-value Business school in the United States. Based in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Business program debt is $26,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cabrini College

University Of Management And Technology came in at #2 on this year's best-value Business ranking in the United States. University Of Management And Technology is a private for-profit school based in Arlington, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,450. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,530. Get the full University Of Management And Technology report

#3

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

A rank of #3 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $25,447. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University

#4

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. The median Business program debt is $22,868. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report

#5

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

A rank of #5 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median Business program debt is $27,414. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile

#6

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University placed #6 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Typical Business student debt is $26,054. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wilmington University

#7

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. University Of Scranton alumni report median earnings of $74,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Scranton

Indiana Institute Of Technology landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,361 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,380 to complete their Business program here. Indiana Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $47,327 a decade after entry. Set against $36,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana Institute Of Technology profile

#9

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Bellevue University Business students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue University

University Of Maryland University College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Business program debt is $23,276. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $23,276 median debt. Get the full University Of Maryland University College report

Concordia University Wisconsin placed #11 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. The median Business program debt is $27,172. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. More on Concordia University Wisconsin

#12

Hood College

Frederick, MD

Hood College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Hood College profile

#13

Gardner Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC

Gardner Webb University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boiling Springs, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,750. The median Business program debt is $25,033. Gardner Webb University alumni report median earnings of $48,039 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Gardner Webb University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Gardner Webb University profile

#14

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Typical Business student debt is $26,956. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago

Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro placed #14 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $13,190 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,821 ten years out. Set against $13,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Typical Business student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public school based in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Business students take on a median of $5,673 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras

#17

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,822 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University

North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Business program here. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

#20

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University placed #20 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $25,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Hamline University

#21

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical Business student debt is $30,027. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. Set against $30,027 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Grand Canyon University

#22

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. The median Business program debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile

#23

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. Typical Business student debt is $39,515. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashford University report

#24

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,188 to complete their Business program here. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Gonzaga University

#25

George Fox University

Newberg, OR

George Fox University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Newberg, OR, George Fox University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,320 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,324 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,761 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,324 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on George Fox University

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Business Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#27

Universidad Del Turabo

Gurabo, PR

Universidad Del Turabo came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Business students take on a median of $14,155 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,155 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo

#28

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $24,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. More on University Of Delaware

Northern Illinois University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Business students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#30

University Of Charleston

Charleston, WV

University Of Charleston ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. University Of Charleston is a private not-for-profit school based in Charleston, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,617. Students borrow a median of $22,646 to complete their Business program here. Median earnings reach $55,774 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,646 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Charleston profile

#30

Lynchburg College

Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,750. Lynchburg College alumni report median earnings of $56,380 a decade after entry. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lynchburg College

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. The median Business program debt is $32,807. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

#33

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Creighton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,856. Creighton University Business students take on a median of $25,831 in debt. Creighton University alumni report median earnings of $73,911 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on Creighton University

#34

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University placed #34 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Business program debt is $35,998. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Capella University

#35

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University

Anderson University Indiana offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Anderson, IN, Anderson University Indiana is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,240. The median Business program debt is $27,401. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,899. That is a strong return on a $27,401 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Anderson University Indiana

University Of Phoenix Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Business students take on a median of $35,323 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona

University Of California Berkeley came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Business program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Business students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#40

Hampton University

Hampton, VA

Hampton University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Hampton, VA, Hampton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,592. Graduates carry a median of $26,169 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,159. Set against $26,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hampton University report

University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Business students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile

#42

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX

Wayland Baptist University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,782. The median Business program debt is $30,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,838. Set against $30,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wayland Baptist University

Ohio University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median Business program debt is $24,546. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report

National Louis University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. The median Business program debt is $29,242. Median earnings reach $45,799 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about National Louis University

City University Of Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. City University Of Seattle Business students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about City University Of Seattle

Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. More on Teachers College At Columbia University

#46

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Typical Business student debt is $27,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,531 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. Saint Ambrose University has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on Saint Ambrose University

#48

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #48 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Business students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $25,306. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#50

Saint John Fisher College

Rochester, NY

Saint John Fisher College placed #50 among the best-value Business schools in the United States. Located in Rochester, NY, Saint John Fisher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,190. Saint John Fisher College Business students take on a median of $25,086 in debt. Saint John Fisher College alumni report median earnings of $66,944 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,086 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint John Fisher College

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 259 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.

References

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