by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong education education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find the best return on investment for education students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the education degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in education, no school beat Eastern Wyoming College this year. Located in the town of Torrington, Eastern Wyoming College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,290, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $7,690. Early-career education graduates make about $34,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Laramie County Community College one of the best values for education. Laramie County Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Cheyenne. In-state tuition and fees average $4,613, compared with $10,913 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $15,309 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $51,302. Set against $15,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in education will find it at Northwest College, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Powell, Northwest College is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $4,962 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,262. Typical student debt for education graduates is $12,996. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Northwest College generally make around $40,014. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt.
Western Wyoming Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Rock Springs, Western Wyoming Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $10,530. Students borrow a median of $12,628 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Western Wyoming Community College earn a median of $53,554 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #5 makes Casper College one of the best values for education. Casper College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Casper. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,410, while out-of-state students pay about $10,710. Education graduates carry a median of $10,408 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Casper College generally make around $49,729. Set against $10,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Sheridan College landed the #6 spot for education value this year. Sheridan College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Sheridan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,830, compared with $11,130 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $11,334. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Sheridan College generally make around $49,039. Set against $11,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Wyoming ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical student debt for education graduates is $18,112. Early-career education graduates make about $48,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants.
Central Wyoming College came in at #8 for value in education this year. Located in the town of Riverton, Central Wyoming College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,100. Students borrow a median of $12,820 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Central Wyoming College earn a median of $65,164 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,820 median debt.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.