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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Connecticut

5 Colleges in the United States
$26,138 Avg Student Debt
$64,679 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Elementary Education Badge [Elementary Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for elementary education students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Connecticut

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in elementary education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Elementary Education Schools

1

Central Connecticut State University tops our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools in Connecticut. Central Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the suburb of New Britain. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Central Connecticut State University earn a median of $44,487 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

2

A rank of #2 makes Western Connecticut State University one of the best values for elementary education. Western Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Danbury. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,401, while out-of-state students pay about $16,901. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $47,559. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Eastern Connecticut State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $13,928 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $26,978. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Eastern Connecticut State University generally make around $48,624. That is a strong return on a $26,978 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

4

A rank of #4 makes Southern Connecticut State University one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,442 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $24,660 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

5

Students looking for strong value in elementary education will find it at University Of Connecticut, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,081 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Connecticut earn a median of $58,784 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,081 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%.

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6

University Of Bridgeport landed the #6 spot for elementary education value this year. Located in the city of Bridgeport, University Of Bridgeport is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,760. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $28,601. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Bridgeport generally make around $49,952. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

7
Saint Joseph College crest
Saint Joseph College
West Hartford, CT

Saint Joseph College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Saint Joseph College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of West Hartford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,278. Students borrow a median of $27,798 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Saint Joseph College earn a median of $52,952 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.

8
University Of Hartford crest
University Of Hartford
West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford landed the #8 spot for elementary education value this year. University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of West Hartford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Students borrow a median of $25,648 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Hartford generally make around $51,123. Set against $25,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

9

Quinnipiac University earned the #9 position for value in elementary education this year. Located in the suburb of Hamden, Quinnipiac University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $25,926 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Quinnipiac University generally make around $51,985. Set against $25,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

10
Fairfield University crest
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University placed #10 among the best values for elementary education. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Fairfield University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. Students borrow a median of $26,687 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Fairfield University generally make around $48,256. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants.

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Notes and References

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 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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