Find a Job You Really Want In
Best Total Package Colleges by State
As students embark on their journey back to school, the prospect of college looms large. The transition to higher education brings excitement and opportunities, but choosing the right college can be overwhelming.
With so many factors to consider, including affordability, student debt, job prospects, and earning potential, it’s crucial to find a school that meets your needs. Fortunately, we’ve identified the best colleges in each state that embody the total package for prospective students.
Our comprehensive analysis highlights 50 standout institutions, showcasing those that excel in tuition affordability, post-graduation earnings, and job opportunities. Here are the top 10 colleges across the nation.
Top 10 Total Package Colleges
- University of Florida – Online
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
- University of Connecticut-Avery Point
- Logan University
- Texas A&M International University
- University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
- Purdue University – Main Campus
- Augusta University
- James Madison University
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Students are increasingly focused on minimizing costs while maximizing job opportunities after graduation. We’ve tracked down the institutions that make this possible.
How We Determined the Best Total Package Colleges
To identify the best total package college in each state, we analyzed various criteria based on the latest College Scorecard Data from the Department of Education. The following factors guided our rankings:
- Cost
- Debt
- Job Prospects
- Earnings
Debt figures represent the median federal loan debt for graduates. The average annual cost covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses. Job prospects and earnings are assessed based on median income and employment rates ten years post-enrollment, allowing ample time for students to complete their degrees and enter the workforce.
We focused exclusively on institutions where bachelor’s degrees are the predominant offering. Below, we provide insights into our top choices.
1. University of Florida – Online
Average Debt: $16,247
Median Earnings: $65,700
Average Annual Cost: $17,405
The University of Florida – Online stands out as our top choice for offering an exceptional total package. With an annual cost of $17,405, an average debt of $16,247, and median earnings of $65,700 post-graduation, it fulfills all the essential criteria for prospective students.
2. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Average Debt: $10,500
Median Earnings: $50,000
Average Annual Cost: $14,177
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is our second-best total package college. With an average debt of $10,500 and an annual cost of $14,177, it proves that quality education doesn’t have to break the bank.
3. University of Connecticut – Avery Point
Average Debt: $21,500
Median Earnings: $66,000
Average Annual Cost: $16,868
The University of Connecticut at Avery Point ranks third on our list. Although its average debt is somewhat higher at $21,500, graduates enjoy a median earning of $66,000, making it a worthwhile investment.
4. Logan University
Average Debt: $6,500
Median Earnings: $55,400
Average Annual Cost: $18,068
Logan University in Missouri is our fourth pick. With an impressively low average debt of $6,500 and an annual cost averaging $18,068, it remains a hidden gem for students.
5. Texas A&M International University
Average Debt: $14,830
Median Earnings: $46,700
Average Annual Cost: $13,914
Texas A&M International University secures the fifth position on our list, combining affordability with a manageable average student debt of $14,830 and an annual cost of $13,914.
6. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Average Debt: $22,613
Median Earnings: $52,500
Average Annual Cost: $17,213
The University of Wisconsin at La Crosse ranks sixth, offering a solid education at an average annual cost of $17,213 and median earnings of $52,500 for graduates.
7. Purdue University – Main Campus
Average Debt: $19,500
Median Earnings: $62,200
Average Annual Cost: $22,430
Purdue University – Main Campus is the seventh-best option, with an average annual cost of $22,430 and median earnings of $62,200, making it a strong contender for students.
8. Augusta University
Average Debt: $21,472
Median Earnings: $70,600
Average Annual Cost: $20,618
Augusta University ranks eighth, with an impressive median earning of $70,600, ensuring that graduates can manage their average debt of $21,472 effectively.
9. James Madison University
Average Debt: $20,500
Median Earnings: $63,300
Average Annual Cost: $26,007
James Madison University is a prime example of low debt and high earnings, with graduates typically owing $20,500 while earning $63,300 median income.
10. University of Washington – Tacoma Campus
Average Debt: $15,000
Median Earnings: $69,600
Average Annual Cost: $21,570
Rounding out our list is the University of Washington – Tacoma Campus, with an average debt of $15,000 and median earnings of $69,600, making it an attractive option for students.
Summary of the Best Total Package Colleges
Finding a college that excels in affordability, job opportunities, and earning potential is essential for today’s students. Our analysis reveals these ten colleges as the best total package options, providing a blend of low debt, reasonable costs, and high post-graduation earnings.
If you’re in the market for an education that offers these significant advantages, consider applying to one of these top institutions. We also extend our findings to showcase the best total package college in every state.
| State | College | Debt | Cost | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | University of Alaska Anchorage | $20,671 | $19,942 | $51,200 |
| Alabama | Auburn University | $21,000 | $31,282 | $56,300 |
| Arkansas | University of Arkansas | $21,500 | $22,750 | $52,700 |
| Arizona | Arizona State University-West | $20,349 | $22,594 | $55,500 |
| California | California State University-Los Angeles | $13,381 | $14,823 | $49,900 |
| Colorado | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $21,022 | $22,243 | $71,200 |
| Connecticut | University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $21,500 | $16,868 | $66,000 |
| Delaware | University of Delaware | $24,388 | $25,584 | $64,000 |
| Florida | University of Florida-Online | $16,247 | $17,405 | $65,700 |
| Georgia | Augusta University | $21,472 | $20,618 | $70,600 |
| Hawaii | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | $9,016 | $18,043 | $49,100 |
| Iowa | University of Iowa | $22,000 | $22,607 | $62,000 |
| Idaho | Brigham Young University-Idaho | $12,601 | $12,223 | $49,400 |
| Illinois | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $19,000 | $30,082 | $70,900 |
| Indiana | Purdue University-Main Campus | $19,500 | $22,430 | $62,200 |
| Kansas | University of Kansas | $21,105 | $24,996 | $59,300 |
| Kentucky | University of Kentucky | $23,102 | $28,711 | $54,000 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College | $20,250 | $28,539 | $60,100 |
| Massachusetts | Worcester State University | $19,334 | $20,923 | $52,400 |
| Maryland | Towson University | $19,302 | $24,733 | $55,100 |
| Maine | Maine Maritime Academy | $27,000 | $26,962 | $107,200 |
| Michigan | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16,606 | $29,407 | $79,000 |
| Minnesota | University of Minnesota-Rochester | $19,500 | $25,362 | $61,200 |
| Missouri | Logan University | $6,500 | $18,068 | $55,400 |
| Mississippi | University of Mississippi | $19,500 | $24,822 | $56,600 |
| Montana | Montana State University | $23,500 | $20,464 | $48,900 |
| North Carolina | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $16,118 | $25,527 | $68,800 |
| North Dakota | Dickinson State University | $18,050 | $15,506 | $49,300 |
| Nebraska | Bellevue University | $21,000 | $18,574 | $60,500 |
| New Hampshire | University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $27,000 | $20,689 | $57,700 |
| New Jersey | Rutgers University-Newark | $22,032 | $25,083 | $68,100 |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | $19,356 | $21,244 | $58,500 |
| Nevada | University of Nevada-Reno | $19,500 | $21,792 | $56,300 |
| New York | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $10,500 | $14,177 | $50,000 |
| Ohio | Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $20,500 | $17,058 | $53,600 |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $21,000 | $23,446 | $55,300 |
| Oregon | Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | $22,500 | $23,702 | $56,700 |
| Pennsylvania | Thomas Jefferson University | $15,750 | $56,855 | $99,300 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island College | $21,500 | $16,619 | $43,900 |
| South Carolina | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $23,250 | $28,743 | $59,600 |
| South Dakota | South Dakota State University | $24,250 | $22,609 | $50,200 |
| Tennessee | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $20,500 | $30,930 | $56,700 |
| Texas | Texas A&M International University | $14,830 | $13,914 | $46,700 |
| Utah | University of Utah | $17,500 | $20,422 | $63,500 |
| Virginia | James Madison University | $20,500 | $26,007 | $63,300 |
| Vermont | University of Vermont | $21,504 | $32,825 | $55,200 |
| Washington | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $15,000 | $21,570 | $69,600 |
| Wisconsin | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $22,613 | $17,213 | $52,500 |
| West Virginia | West Virginia University Institute of Technology | $23,872 | $17,166 | $52,700 |
| Wyoming | University of Wyoming | $18,498 | $19,777 | $54,200 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
