2026 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Virginia

1

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

Our analysis ranked George Mason University the best value for a degree in elementary education in Virginia. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,529. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $63,131. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA

A rank of #2 makes Old Dominion University one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $26,001. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $53,989. That is a strong return on a $26,001 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

John Tyler Community College
Chester, VA

John Tyler Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Set in the suburb of Chester, John Tyler Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,082, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. Students borrow a median of $11,262 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $36,623. That is a strong return on a $11,262 median debt.

4

Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA

Norfolk State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,180, with out-of-state students paying around $21,682. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $51,920. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

5

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Virginia Commonwealth University earned it the #5 place for elementary education. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Virginia Commonwealth University generally make around $57,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.

6

Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Longwood University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Longwood University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Farmville. In-state tuition and fees average $15,740, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,649 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $43,800 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

7

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University earned the #7 position for value in elementary education this year. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $52,997 early in their careers. Set against $21,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

8

Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University placed #8 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,650. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $31,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Regent University generally make around $50,406. That is a strong return on a $31,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%.

9

University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington came in at #9 for value in elementary education this year. University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Fredericksburg. Students from in state pay about $14,905 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,083. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $22,825 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Mary Washington earn a median of $53,037 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,825 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Virginia Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #10 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $54,106. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.

11

Roanoke College
Salem, VA

Roanoke College came in at #11 for value in elementary education this year. Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,068. Students borrow a median of $26,940 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Roanoke College generally make around $33,725. Set against $26,940 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

12

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University came in at #12 for value in elementary education this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $29,249 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $32,945. Set against $29,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.

13

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University landed the #13 spot for elementary education value this year. Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Winchester. Students from in state pay about $36,950 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,005 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Shenandoah University generally make around $62,948. That is a strong return on a $26,005 median debt. Shenandoah University admits about 77% of applicants.

14

University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Set in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,230. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $21,634. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $53,815. Set against $21,634 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.