by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 15 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value elementary education schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the elementary education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Fort Peck Community College earned the #1 spot for value among elementary education schools in Montana. Located in the rural area of Poplar, Fort Peck Community College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $14,747 ten years after entry.
A rank of #2 makes Salish Kootenai College one of the best values for elementary education. Located in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,311, while out-of-state students pay about $11,583. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $52,607.
Montana State University Northern came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Montana State University Northern is a small public school located in the town of Havre. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, compared with $21,875 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,855 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Montana State University Northern earn a median of $50,896 early in their careers. Set against $23,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Montana State University Billings one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. Students borrow a median of $24,652 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $35,132. That is a strong return on a $24,652 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Montana Western one of the best values for elementary education. The University Of Montana Western is a small public school located in the town of Dillon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,669, with out-of-state students paying around $20,130. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,269. Elementary Education graduates of The University Of Montana Western earn a median of $36,742 early in their careers. Set against $23,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
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The University Of Montana came in at #6 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,880 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $39,078. That is a strong return on a $24,880 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Rocky Mountain College earned the #7 position for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Billings, Rocky Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,582. Students borrow a median of $25,666 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Rocky Mountain College earn a median of $50,022 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,666 median debt. Rocky Mountain College admits about 70% of applicants.
Montana State University came in at #8 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $37,501. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.