2026 Best Value Elementary Education Master’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny Brooklyn College the best value for a degree in elementary education in the United States. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $10,862. Elementary Education graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $59,924 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,862 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny City College
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny City College earned it the #2 place for elementary education. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $9,916 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $75,423. That is a strong return on a $9,916 median debt. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

3

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Fullerton earned it the #3 place for elementary education. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $14,542 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $66,012. That is a strong return on a $14,542 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $67,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 54%.

5

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

Cuny Queens College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,538 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Students borrow a median of $13,100 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $55,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

6

Cuny Lehman College
Bronx, NY

Cuny Lehman College placed #6 among the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $13,213. Elementary Education graduates of Cuny Lehman College earn a median of $62,489 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.

7

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #7 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $18,063 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $50,802 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,063 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.

8

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University came in at #8 for value in elementary education this year. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $17,661. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $50,178. That is a strong return on a $17,661 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

9

Cuny College Of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY

Cuny College Of Staten Island came in at #9 for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Staten Island, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,490 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,854 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Cuny College Of Staten Island earn a median of $49,747 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny College Of Staten Island admits about 92% of applicants.

10

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Students borrow a median of $16,151 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $72,769 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,151 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

11

Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM

Western New Mexico University earned the #11 position for value in elementary education this year. Western New Mexico University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Silver City. In-state tuition and fees average $7,855, with out-of-state students paying around $14,341. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,425. Elementary Education graduates of Western New Mexico University earn a median of $48,366 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,425 median debt.

12

University Of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK

University Of Alaska Southeast came in at #12 for value in elementary education this year. University Of Alaska Southeast is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Juneau. Students from in state pay about $8,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $20,527 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Alaska Southeast earn a median of $57,556 early in their careers. Set against $20,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alaska Southeast admits about 63% of applicants.

13

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University landed the #13 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $16,490 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Florida International University earn a median of $52,399 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida placed #14 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $24,250. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $54,726 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.

15

Weber State University
Ogden, UT

Weber State University placed #15 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $18,670 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $60,559. Set against $18,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

16

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #16 for value in elementary education this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $24,913 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $54,350. Set against $24,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #17 spot for elementary education value this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $20,995. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $54,622. That is a strong return on a $20,995 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.

18

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University came in at #18 for value in elementary education this year. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $44,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.

19

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $70,256 early in their careers. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

20

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University landed the #20 spot for elementary education value this year. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $74,771 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

21

Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN

Indiana University Northwest placed #21 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the suburb of Gary, Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $31,000. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $48,497. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Indiana University Northwest admits about 73% of applicants.

22

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #22 position for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $17,342 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $72,769 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

23

Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, IN

Indiana University Southeast earned the #23 position for value in elementary education this year. Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of New Albany. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $24,145 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $52,821. That is a strong return on a $24,145 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

24

Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University earned the #24 position for value in elementary education this year. Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fayetteville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $30,087. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Fayetteville State University generally make around $42,080. That is a strong return on a $30,087 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

25

Murray State University
Murray, KY

Murray State University came in at #25 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $22,324. Elementary Education graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $44,467 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,324 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.