by our College Data Analytics Team
[Elementary Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 30 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value elementary education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in elementary education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Dodge City Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools in Kansas. Set in the town of Dodge City, Dodge City Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,650, while out-of-state students pay about $5,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,427 ten years after entry.
A rank of #2 makes Washburn University one of the best values for elementary education. Washburn University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Topeka. Students from in state pay about $9,945 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,949 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,945 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $46,519. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Fort Hays State University one of the best values for elementary education. Fort Hays State University is a large public school located in the town of Hays. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $30,800 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $42,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #4 makes Wichita State University one of the best values for elementary education. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $30,250. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $43,764. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
Emporia State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Emporia. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,976 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $47,799 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,976 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.
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University Of Kansas landed the #6 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $24,776 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $45,405. Set against $24,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Butler Community College earned the #7 position for value in elementary education this year. Set in the town of El Dorado, Butler Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,670 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of Butler Community College earn a median of $39,404 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,670 median debt.
Kansas State University placed #8 among the best values for elementary education. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,999 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $45,512. Set against $24,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Pittsburg State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $45,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Newman University landed the #10 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the city of Wichita, Newman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,500. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $25,000. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $43,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Mcpherson College came in at #11 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the town of McPherson, Mcpherson College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,146. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $42,278. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Mcpherson College admits about 77% of applicants.
Southwestern College earned the #12 position for value in elementary education this year. Set in the town of Winfield, Southwestern College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,822. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,874 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Southwestern College generally make around $44,511. That is a strong return on a $26,874 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Benedictine College came in at #13 for value in elementary education this year. Set in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,350. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,377. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Benedictine College generally make around $42,834. Set against $23,377 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Midamerica Nazarene University landed the #14 spot for elementary education value this year. Midamerica Nazarene University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Olathe. In-state tuition and fees average $37,174. Students borrow a median of $26,875 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $40,676. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 30 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.