2026 Best Value Education Philosophy Schools
Looking for the best-value Education Philosophy programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 83 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Education Philosophy Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Eastern Mennonite University to be the best-value Education Philosophy school in the United States. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,920 in tuition and fees. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Mennonite University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full Eastern Mennonite University report
You'll get strong value at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
A rank of #3 makes Drury University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,745. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $40,694 ten years out. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drury University has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Drury University
A rank of #4 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Education Philosophy students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
A rank of #5 makes Washington State University one of the best values in the United States. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $22,635. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Depaul University placed #7 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Depaul University
University Of Georgia landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Utah landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $20,798. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Utah
Hope International University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Hope International University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fullerton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. Students borrow a median of $24,656 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $49,697 ten years out. Set against $24,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hope International University admits about 33% of applicants. Get the full Hope International University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Education Philosophy students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,294 ten years after entry. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $24,019. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
Northwestern University placed #16 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Kansas ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. University Of California Santa Cruz Education Philosophy students take on a median of $18,559 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,396. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Education Philosophy students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,120 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,120 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $24,546. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $20,542. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,742. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,488 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Philosophy Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Georgia State University placed #26 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Georgia State University
Arizona State University placed #27 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Education Philosophy students take on a median of $21,842 in debt. 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 has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Western Michigan University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Western Michigan University Education Philosophy students take on a median of $27,981 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on Western Michigan University
University At Buffalo came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Graduates carry a median of $22,232 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University At Buffalo
University Of Toledo placed #31 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Toledo, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $24,923. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,632. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Toledo
Kent State University At Kent placed #32 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $25,174. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
Syracuse University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Set against $26,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full Syracuse University report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $20,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Michigan State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $25,213. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Oregon came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $22,034. Median earnings reach $61,324 ten years out. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Oregon
University Of California Riverside offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,699 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Riverside
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of New Mexico Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, while out-of-state students pay about $33,060. Graduates carry a median of $19,738 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
High Point University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in High Point, NC, High Point University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,312. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $23,785. Median earnings reach $61,389 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,785 median debt. High Point University admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full High Point University report
Eastern Michigan University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $24,472. Median earnings reach $62,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia admits about 60% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,657 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Dickinson College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Get the full Dickinson College report
Southern Utah University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Southern Utah University profile
Eastern Washington University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
Northern Kentucky University placed #48 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. More on Northern Kentucky University
Immaculata University placed #49 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Read the full report on Immaculata University
East Carolina University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. See the full East Carolina University profile
Best Value Education Philosophy Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Education Philosophy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (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 83 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).
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