2026 Best Value Education Schools
Looking for the best-value Education programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2376 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Education school in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Santa Fe Community College landed the #3 spot. Santa Fe Community College is a public school based in Santa Fe, NM. Students from in state pay about $1,851 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,131. Typical Education student debt is $15,185. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,005. That is a strong return on a $15,185 median debt. Get the full Santa Fe Community College report
Northeast Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Education ranking in the United States. Set in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,799 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $11,799 median debt. Get the full Northeast Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Jamestown College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,621. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Jamestown College has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Jamestown College profile
Spokane Falls Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $12,500. Median earnings reach $38,955 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. Read the full report on Spokane Falls Community College
Itawamba Community College placed #7 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fulton, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Education program here. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,878 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,878 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $15,835 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,553 ten years after entry. Set against $15,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
Brigham Young University Provo placed #10 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Education program debt is $9,627. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
University Of The Cumberlands ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,782 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Northcentral Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,889, while out-of-state students pay about $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Education students take on a median of $11,709 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. More on Northcentral Technical College
Concordia University Irvine placed #14 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. The median Education program debt is $26,085. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Irvine profile
Stanly Community College placed #15 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albemarle, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,672 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,816. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,686. Get the full Stanly Community College report
Western Governors University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. The median Education program debt is $25,146. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $25,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Governors University profile
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,803 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Students borrow a median of $20,876 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Set against $20,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Northwestern College Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,995 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,802. That is a strong return on a $25,995 median debt. Northwestern College Iowa admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
Pima Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Pima Community College is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. The median Education program debt is $16,411. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pima Community College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Education students take on a median of $26,425 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. Set against $26,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Essex County College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Essex County College is a public school based in Newark, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,415 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,523. Typical Education student debt is $12,472. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,230. That is a strong return on a $12,472 median debt. See the full Essex County College profile
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Students borrow a median of $28,025 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $28,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Minot State University
Chadron State College placed #22 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chadron, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,294. Graduates carry a median of $24,561 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,002 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,561 median debt. See the full Chadron State College profile
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Typical Education student debt is $25,185. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,185 median debt. Get the full Wayne State College report
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. Morningside College Education students take on a median of $27,880 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Set against $27,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Morningside College
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. The median Education program debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $37,865 ten years out. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Sinclair Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Graduates carry a median of $12,129 in student loans. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,129 median debt. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Dickinson State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dickinson, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $9,118. Dickinson State University Education students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Dickinson State University alumni report median earnings of $50,720 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dickinson State University has an acceptance rate of 37%. Get the full Dickinson State University report
Valley City State University placed #29 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valley City, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Students borrow a median of $24,586 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Valley City State University
Hood College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Hood College Education students take on a median of $17,125 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Hood College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public school based in Perkinston, MS. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,850 for out-of-state students. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Education students take on a median of $9,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,017. That is a strong return on a $9,562 median debt. See the full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College profile
Universidad Del Este came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Students borrow a median of $30,024 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Universidad Del Este
Fitchburg State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
Middlesex Community College Bedford came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,098, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,602 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,651. That is a strong return on a $11,602 median debt. More on Middlesex Community College Bedford
Worcester State University placed #35 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,971 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $22,971 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Worcester State University profile
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,985. Typical Education student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Doane College Crete
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. The median Education program debt is $29,055. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,055 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Mcdaniel College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. The median Education program debt is $16,452. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Mayville State University placed #39 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $27,000. Mayville State University alumni report median earnings of $47,828 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mayville State University
William Woods University placed #40 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. The median Education program debt is $25,512. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,401 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on William Woods University
Broward College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Broward College is a public school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,830, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. Typical Education student debt is $13,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,939 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. See the full Broward College profile
Bemidji State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. The median Education program debt is $23,911. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Education students take on a median of $13,932 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $26,285. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,285 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Concordia University Seward ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Typical Education student debt is $24,068. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,068 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Education program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Haywood Community College placed #47 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,580, with out-of-state students paying around $8,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,770 ten years after entry. Read the full report on Haywood Community College
Viterbo University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,250. Graduates carry a median of $29,107 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Viterbo University profile
University Of Sioux Falls placed #49 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. University Of Sioux Falls Education students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about University Of Sioux Falls
Central New Mexico Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Delaware County Community College ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, compared with $15,540 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,340 to complete their Education program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,391. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. See the full Delaware County Community College profile
Best Value Education Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 2376 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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