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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 11 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.
Our analysis ranked Oglala Lakota College the best value for a degree in elementary education in South Dakota. Located in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,684. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,517 ten years after entry.
Black Hills State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Spearfish. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Black Hills State University generally make around $51,049. That is a strong return on a $26,312 median debt. Black Hills State University admits about 96% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Northern State University one of the best values for elementary education. Northern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Aberdeen. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $24,242. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Northern State University generally make around $46,042. That is a strong return on a $24,242 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Sinte Gleska University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Set in the rural area of Mission, Sinte Gleska University is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,714. Median earnings reach $20,948 ten years out.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #5 place for elementary education. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $25,937. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $51,260. Set against $25,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
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University Of South Dakota landed the #6 spot for elementary education value this year. University Of South Dakota is a large public school located in the town of Vermillion. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $46,542. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.
Dakota Wesleyan University landed the #7 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the town of Mitchell, Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,790. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Dakota Wesleyan University generally make around $71,856. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Dakota Wesleyan University admits about 73% of applicants.
Dakota State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,600 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Dakota State University earn a median of $46,627 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,600 median debt. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Sioux Falls placed #9 among the best values for elementary education. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Sioux Falls earn a median of $40,171 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Mount Marty College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Mount Marty College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Yankton. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Mount Marty College generally make around $45,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.
Augustana College South Dakota ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary education schools. Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux Falls. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,160. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $44,290. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augustana College South Dakota admits about 68% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.