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2026 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Maine

4 Colleges in the United States
$26,072 Avg Student Debt
$46,285 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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value elementary education schools.

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2026 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Maine

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

Best Value Elementary Education Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of Maine At Presque Isle, our #1 best value for elementary education in Maine. University Of Maine At Presque Isle is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Presque Isle. In-state tuition and fees average $9,402, with out-of-state students paying around $14,862. Students borrow a median of $23,434 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $41,148. Set against $23,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine At Presque Isle admits about 100% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maine At Augusta earned it the #2 place for elementary education. University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Augusta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,888, while out-of-state students pay about $22,178. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $29,313 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Maine At Augusta earn a median of $45,574 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Maine earned it the #3 place for elementary education. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,593. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $47,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

4

Students looking for strong value in elementary education will find it at University Of Maine At Farmington, which ranked #4. University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Farmington. Students from in state pay about $11,308 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,878. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,094 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Maine At Farmington generally make around $38,835. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Maine one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $38,924. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.

6
Thomas College crest
Thomas College
Waterville, ME

Thomas College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Waterville, Thomas College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $38,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

7
Husson University crest
Husson University
Bangor, ME

Husson University landed the #7 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the city of Bangor, Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,304. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Husson University earn a median of $40,485 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of New England landed the #8 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the suburb of Biddeford, University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,210. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $25,142. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of New England generally make around $68,490. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

View All Elementary Education Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 9 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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