by our College Data Analytics Team
[Science Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/science-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.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value science education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in science education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Iowa State University earned the #1 spot for value among science education schools in Iowa. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Science Education graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Early-career science education graduates make about $53,900. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Buena Vista University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,008 to complete the science education program here. Science Education graduates of Buena Vista University earn a median of $44,780 early in their careers. Set against $29,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $46,908. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
William Penn University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Oskaloosa, William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,750. Students borrow a median of $28,341 to complete the science education program here. Science Education graduates of William Penn University earn a median of $39,727 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Morningside College one of the best values for science education. Set in the city of Sioux City, Morningside College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,519. Science Education graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Science Education graduates of Morningside College earn a median of $52,560 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
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Upper Iowa University earned the #6 position for value in science education this year. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Science Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career science education graduates make about $51,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Drake University earned the #7 position for value in science education this year. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Science Education graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Science Education graduates of Drake University earn a median of $56,228 early in their careers. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.