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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Master’s Degree Schools

38 Colleges in the United States
$25,351 Avg Student Debt
$53,809 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Master's Degree Badge [Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/junior-high-intermediate-middle-school-education-and-teaching/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 373 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools

1

Cuny Brooklyn College tops our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools in the United States. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. In-state tuition and fees average $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $10,862 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Cuny Brooklyn College generally make around $59,924. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.

2

Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Cuny Lehman College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $13,213. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $62,489. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $52,885. Set against $20,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.

4
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny Empire State College earned it the #4 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,693 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $58,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,250. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $40,578. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants.

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Murray State University placed #6 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,324. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Murray State University generally make around $44,467. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.

7

University Of North Georgia earned the #7 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $52,705. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

8
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University earned the #8 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, 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. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of North Florida placed #9 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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 $49,299. That is a strong return on a $19,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 53%.

10

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #10 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $13,640 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $61,361. Set against $13,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.

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11

Valdosta State University placed #11 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Valdosta State University earn a median of $57,751 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

12

Fayetteville State University placed #12 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,353, with out-of-state students paying around $8,353. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $30,087. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Fayetteville State University generally make around $42,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

13

Western Illinois University placed #13 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. 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. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $54,160. Set against $25,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.

14

Northeastern Illinois University earned the #14 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,383, while out-of-state students pay about $22,726. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $15,612. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $60,664. That is a strong return on a $15,612 median debt. Northeastern Illinois University admits about 75% of applicants.

15

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned the #15 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,000. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earn a median of $45,551 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

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16

Eastern Kentucky University placed #16 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,725 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 Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $42,861. Set against $26,725 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.

17

University Of Georgia came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $18,229. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $53,457. That is a strong return on a $18,229 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

18

Arizona State University landed the #18 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $55,876. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

19

Fairmont State University came in at #19 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Fairmont, Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,708 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,924. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,447. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,594. That is a strong return on a $26,447 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of The Cumberlands landed the #20 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value 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. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,782. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of The Cumberlands earn a median of $41,671 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.

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21
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University earned the #21 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,778. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

22

Christian Brothers University landed the #22 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Memphis, Christian Brothers University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,420. Students borrow a median of $32,416 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $51,040. That is a strong return on a $32,416 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

23

Portland State University placed #23 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,475. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $47,717. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

24

Saint Xavier University placed #24 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,945. Students borrow a median of $29,854 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Saint Xavier University earn a median of $52,674 early in their careers. Set against $29,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

25

The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,517. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $50,277. Set against $22,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Dominican University crest
Dominican University
River Forest, IL
41
42
43
44
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
45
Georgetown College crest
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
46
47
48
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
49
50

Other Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Degree Levels

Explore the best-value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching
Associate's Degrees in Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching
Bachelor's Degrees in Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching
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View All Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 373 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 38 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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