by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mathematics Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/mathematics-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for mathematics education students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mathematics education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Washburn University earned the #1 spot for value among mathematics education schools in Kansas. Set in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,945 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Typical student debt for mathematics education graduates is $21,175. Early-career mathematics education graduates make about $50,955. That is a strong return on a $21,175 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #2 place for mathematics education. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical student debt for mathematics education graduates is $22,145. Early-career mathematics education graduates make about $47,121. That is a strong return on a $22,145 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Emporia State University earned it the #3 place for mathematics education. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical student debt for mathematics education graduates is $22,500. Early-career mathematics education graduates make about $52,694. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Students looking for strong value in mathematics education will find it at Pittsburg State University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete the mathematics education program here. Early-career mathematics education graduates make about $46,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Friends University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics education schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,192. Mathematics Education graduates carry a median of $29,721 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mathematics education degree recipients from Friends University generally make around $47,675. That is a strong return on a $29,721 median debt. Friends University admits about 55% of applicants.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.