by our College Data Analytics Team
[Science Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/science-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong science education education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 11 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for science education students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the science education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pennsylvania Western University earned the #1 spot for value among science education schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.
York College Pennsylvania came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the science education program here. Early-career science education graduates make about $48,624. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for science education. Located in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $26,307. Early-career science education graduates make about $57,110. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Arcadia University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Glenside, Arcadia University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,610 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,921 to complete the science education program here. Early-career science education graduates make about $46,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Wilkes University one of the best values for science education. Set in the city of Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,496. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $26,601. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Wilkes University generally make around $59,372. That is a strong return on a $26,601 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #6 among the best values for science education. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,176 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $41,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
University Of Pennsylvania earned the #7 position for value in science education this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the science education program here. Early-career science education graduates make about $54,350. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.
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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.