by our College Data Analytics Team
[Elementary Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong elementary education education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for elementary education students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in elementary education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Snow College earned the #1 spot for value among elementary education schools in Utah. Set in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $10,440. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $42,776. That is a strong return on a $10,440 median debt.
Utah Valley University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $11,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $49,497. That is a strong return on a $11,813 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #3 place for elementary education. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Western Governors University generally make around $74,771. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Weber State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #4 spot this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $18,670 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $56,210. That is a strong return on a $18,670 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Utah University earned it the #5 place for elementary education. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $13,625. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $47,832. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
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Utah State University came in at #6 for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,574 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Utah State University earn a median of $56,279 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,574 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah landed the #7 spot for elementary education value this year. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $25,472. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $54,604. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #8 for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $13,385. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $42,475. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
Dixie State College Of Utah placed #9 among the best values for elementary education. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Students borrow a median of $27,565 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $47,619 early in their careers. Set against $27,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.