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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Elementary Education Schools

525 Colleges in the United States
26,766 Elementary Education Degrees Awarded
$48,055 Avg Early-Career Salary

Elementary Education degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 1259 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for elementary education students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Elementary Education School

Best Elementary Education Schools

The school you choose for elementary education can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Elementary Education Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Elementary Education Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education
Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
Doctoral Degrees in Elementary Education

We offer several rankings, including this Best Elementary Education Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

See how we build our rankings

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Best Schools for Elementary Education in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall elementary education education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Elementary Education

1
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

Leading the list is New York University, our #1 school for elementary education. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. New York University awarded about 47 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $54,901 in their early career. New York University graduates carry a median of $19,455 in student loans. Read more about the elementary education program at New York University

2

University Of Virginia Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 24 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Virginia Main Campus generally make around $54,106. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete this degree. See the full elementary education program report for University Of Virginia Main Campus

3

University Of Maryland College Park is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of College Park. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 42 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from University Of Maryland College Park earn around $53,054 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in elementary education from University Of Maryland College Park

4
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #4 spot this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Philadelphia. About 96% of students finish within six years. About 14 elementary education degrees were awarded at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $59,413 in their early career. University Of Pennsylvania graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. See the full elementary education program report for University Of Pennsylvania

5

Students looking for a strong elementary education program will find one at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 112 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $45,906. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in elementary education from University Of Wisconsin Madison

6
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University landed the #6 spot for elementary education this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 163 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at James Madison University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from James Madison University earn around $52,997 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,218. Get the full elementary education details for James Madison University

7

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #7 for elementary education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Boulder. About 74% of students finish within six years. University Of Colorado Boulder awarded about 57 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $55,861 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from University Of Colorado Boulder

8
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus earned the #8 position for elementary education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of West Lafayette. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 101 elementary education degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. Elementary Education graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $45,459 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $18,646 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for Purdue University Main Campus

9

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #9 position for elementary education this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 96 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $50,601 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. See the full elementary education program report for University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

10

University Of Delaware ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Delaware awarded about 142 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $48,587 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. See the full elementary education program report for University Of Delaware

11

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #11 among the best elementary education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. There were roughly 18 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $45,522. Typical student debt for the program is $16,335. More information about a degree in elementary education from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

12
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #12 among the best elementary education schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Tallahassee. Florida State University graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 71 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $45,696. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from Florida State University

13

University Of Connecticut ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Connecticut awarded about 42 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Connecticut generally make around $58,784. Students borrow a median of $25,081 to complete this degree. Read more about the elementary education program at University Of Connecticut

14

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #14 among the best elementary education schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. About 62% of students finish within six years. About 103 elementary education degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $65,587 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in elementary education from University Of Illinois At Chicago

15
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami placed #15 among the best elementary education schools. Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit university. University Of Miami graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 20 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at University Of Miami in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Miami generally make around $57,234. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for University Of Miami

16

Illinois State University placed #16 among the best elementary education schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Normal. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. About 320 elementary education degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Elementary Education graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $44,898 early in their careers. Illinois State University graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read more about the elementary education program at Illinois State University

17

Ramapo College Of New Jersey earned the #17 position for elementary education this year. Located in the suburb of Mahwah, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 61 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Ramapo College Of New Jersey in the most recent data year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $48,545 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,014. Get the full elementary education details for Ramapo College Of New Jersey

18
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Towson University awarded about 87 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Elementary Education graduates of Towson University earn a median of $56,953 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,750. See the full elementary education program report for Towson University

19

Arizona State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. There were roughly 349 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Arizona State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $49,402. Typical student debt for the program is $20,375. Get the full elementary education details for Arizona State University

20

Baylor University landed the #20 spot for elementary education this year. Located in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Baylor University awarded about 60 elementary education degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from Baylor University earn around $53,614 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete this degree. Get the full elementary education details for Baylor University

21

University Of Rhode Island earned the #21 position for elementary education this year. Located in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public university. About 72% of students finish within six years. About 81 elementary education degrees were awarded at University Of Rhode Island in the most recent year. Students who receive their elementary education degree from University Of Rhode Island earn around $44,363 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,026. Read more about the elementary education program at University Of Rhode Island

22

Suny College At Oneonta placed #22 among the best elementary education schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of Oneonta. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 180 elementary education degrees were awarded at Suny College At Oneonta in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Suny College At Oneonta generally make around $30,410. Typical student debt for the program is $21,500. Read more about the elementary education program at Suny College At Oneonta

23
Monmouth University crest
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University landed the #23 spot for elementary education this year. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Monmouth University graduates 72% of students within six years. About 33 elementary education degrees were awarded at Monmouth University in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $60,663 in their early career. Monmouth University graduates carry a median of $26,847 in student loans. Get the full elementary education details for Monmouth University

24

Elon University landed the #24 spot for elementary education this year. Set in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Elon University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 38 elementary education degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Graduates of the elementary education program make about $47,095 in their early career. Elon University graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Read more about the elementary education program at Elon University

25

Washington State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best elementary education schools. This very large public university is located in the town of Pullman. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 209 elementary education degrees were awarded at Washington State University in the most recent year. Elementary Education graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,794 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete this degree. Read more about the elementary education program at Washington State University

Rest of the Top 50 Elementary Education Schools

These schools also placed among the best for elementary education this year:

26
27
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY
45
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
46
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ
47
48
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
49
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL
50
Edison State College crest
Edison State College
Fort Myers, FL

Additional Elementary Education Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for elementary education:

Rank School Location
#51 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
#52 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
#56 Cuny Hunter College New York, NY
#59 Cuny Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NY
#62 University Of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln, NE
#63 University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
#65 Florida International University Miami, FL
#66 Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ
#67 Cuny Queens College Queens, NY
#68 University Of Arizona Tucson, AZ
#72 University Of Wyoming Laramie, WY
#73 Salisbury University Salisbury, MD
#74 Iowa State University Ames, IA
#75 William Paterson University Of New Jersey Wayne, NJ
#76 University Of Iowa Iowa City, IA
#77 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
#79 University Of Missouri Columbia Columbia, MO
#82 Pace University New York New York, NY
#83 University Of Kansas Lawrence, KS
#85 North Carolina State University At Raleigh Raleigh, NC
#86 Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
#91 University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Norman, OK
#93 Suny College At Cortland Cortland, NY
#95 Utah State University Logan, UT
#100 Kean University Union, NJ

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for elementary education:

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Elementary Education by Region

Explore the best elementary education schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Elementary Education is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 1259 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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