2026 Best Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Education bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2376 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor 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 Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,878 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $13,878 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Education students take on a median of $9,627 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. 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
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bellevue University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bellevue, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $26,556 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $26,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bellevue University
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Governors University landed the #4 spot. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Education student debt is $25,146. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Out of the 2376 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chadron State College landed the #5 spot. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Chadron State College Education students take on a median of $24,561 in debt. Chadron State College alumni report median earnings of $47,002 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,561 median debt. More on Chadron State College
Wayne State College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Wayne State College Education students take on a median of $25,185 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,075 ten years after entry. Set against $25,185 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wayne State College
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. The median Education program debt is $26,425. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Minot State University placed #8 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minot, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. 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. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Minot State University profile
Southwest Minnesota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. The median Education program debt is $29,055. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $29,055 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Broward College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,830 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. Students borrow a median of $13,110 to complete their Education program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,939 ten years after entry. Set against $13,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Broward College report
Dickinson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,118. The median Education program debt is $25,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Dickinson State University admits about 37% of applicants. Read more about Dickinson State University
Bemidji State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $23,911 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $23,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Western Carolina University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Education students take on a median of $24,594 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Western Carolina University
Valley City State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Valley City State University is a public school based 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. The median Education program debt is $24,586. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Valley City State University
Mayville State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Get the full Mayville State University report
St Petersburg College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. St Petersburg College is a public school based in St. Petersburg, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. Graduates carry a median of $19,956 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,557. Set against $19,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
Delta State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Typical Education student debt is $22,141. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. Set against $22,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Delta State University
Dakota State University placed #18 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. Typical Education student debt is $29,342. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,970. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Dakota State University
Metropolitan State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $28,019 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $24,242. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,242 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Miami Dade College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Miami Dade College is a public school based in Miami, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. The median Education program debt is $9,671. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,654 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,671 median debt. See the full Miami Dade College profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $43,136 to complete their Education program here. University Of Phoenix Arizona alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. Set against $43,136 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #23 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Education students take on a median of $26,252 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. Set against $26,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Peru State College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,433. Graduates carry a median of $26,117 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,071. Set against $26,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Peru State College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #25 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. The median Education program debt is $21,537. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Set against $21,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Portales, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $19,157. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
University Of South Dakota landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Winona State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Education student debt is $26,772. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Winona State University profile
Nicholls State University placed #29 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $22,692. Nicholls State University alumni report median earnings of $45,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Nicholls State University
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Fort Pierce, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. The median Education program debt is $10,492. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Indian River State College
Wilmington University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,511 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
South Dakota State University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Education student debt is $25,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $25,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #33 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Education students take on a median of $27,722 in debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,722 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Central Michigan University placed #34 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Typical Education student debt is $29,330. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Granite State College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. Granite State College Education students take on a median of $29,935 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,935 median debt. More on Granite State College
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Education students take on a median of $25,485 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
National University placed #37 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. National University Education students take on a median of $41,758 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Set against $41,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Walden University placed #38 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Walden University Education students take on a median of $47,261 in debt. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $25,627 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Middle Georgia State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. This public school is set in Macon, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,038, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Typical Education student debt is $23,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,863 ten years after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about Middle Georgia State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Education program debt is $26,120. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Typical Education student debt is $13,687. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo alumni report median earnings of $24,539 a decade after entry. Set against $13,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Black Hills State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Students borrow a median of $26,624 to complete their Education program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,674. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Black Hills State University
Martin Luther College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit school based in New Ulm, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,120. Typical Education student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $47,491 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Martin Luther College admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Martin Luther College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. The median Education program debt is $22,262. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Emporia State University placed #46 among the best-value Education schools in the United States. This public school is set in Emporia, KS. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. The median Education program debt is $22,676. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,601. That is a strong return on a $22,676 median debt. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Emporia State University report
Georgia Gwinnett College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Georgia Gwinnett College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,532, compared with $13,844 for out-of-state students. Typical Education student debt is $21,590. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,730 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,590 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Georgia Gwinnett College
University Of North Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Education program here. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
Henderson State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education schools. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. Typical Education student debt is $26,120. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,459 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,120 median debt. Read the full report on Henderson State University
Related Education Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Education Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Education Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Associate’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. 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 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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