2026 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny Brooklyn College the best value for a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching in the United States. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $10,862. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $37,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.

2

University Of South Florida Main Campus
Tampa, FL

A rank of #2 makes University Of South Florida Main Campus one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $20,995 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. Set against $20,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL

A rank of #3 makes University Of North Florida one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Students borrow a median of $19,097 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $47,210. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%.

4

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Springfield earned it the #4 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $44,458 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

5

University Of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA

Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at University Of North Georgia, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,099. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants.

6

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Portales. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus generally make around $49,087. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

7

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $43,342. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

8

Murray State University
Murray, KY

Murray State University earned the #8 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,324 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $36,871. Set against $22,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.

9

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Pembroke generally make around $40,578. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

10

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $13,640. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $61,361. Set against $13,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.

11

Clayton State University
Morrow, GA

Clayton State University landed the #11 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Morrow. Students from in state pay about $5,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $35,088 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Clayton State University earn a median of $42,114 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

12

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University came in at #12 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $38,059. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

13

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #13 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $17,500. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $55,876. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

14

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,214. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

15

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith landed the #15 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,334, while out-of-state students pay about $12,182. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $20,304 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $40,565 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,304 median debt. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.

16

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University earned the #16 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,133 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $40,544 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,133 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

17

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,725 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $37,366. Set against $26,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

18

University Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. University Of New Orleans is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of New Orleans. Students from in state pay about $9,172 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,514. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $42,720. Set against $24,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Orleans admits about 74% of applicants.

19

Gordon State College
Barnesville, GA

Gordon State College came in at #19 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Barnesville, Gordon State College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,628, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $23,073 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Gordon State College earn a median of $41,011 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

20

Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA

Valdosta State University landed the #20 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Valdosta State University generally make around $39,692. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

21

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #21 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $18,229. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $46,162. That is a strong return on a $18,229 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

22

University Of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY

University Of The Cumberlands earned the #22 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $22,782 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of The Cumberlands earn a median of $35,470 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,782 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.

23

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL

Northeastern Illinois University placed #23 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,383 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $15,612 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $41,938. That is a strong return on a $15,612 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

24

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University landed the #24 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $37,288 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

25

Louisiana State University Alexandria
Alexandria, LA

Louisiana State University Alexandria came in at #25 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Louisiana State University Alexandria is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Alexandria. In-state tuition and fees average $7,050, compared with $14,725 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,656 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Louisiana State University Alexandria earn a median of $47,702 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,656 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.