2026 Best Value Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot for value among kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $44,877 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.

2

Emporia State University
Emporia, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Emporia State University earned it the #2 place for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $23,976. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $47,799 early in their careers. Set against $23,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.

3

Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD

Black Hills State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Students borrow a median of $26,312 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of $51,049 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,312 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN

Bemidji State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching, landing the #4 spot this year. Bemidji State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bemidji. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,757 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Bemidji State University generally make around $48,984. That is a strong return on a $27,757 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.

5

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,598 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $36,271 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,598 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

6

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $37,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

Concordia University Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #7 for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $25,500. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Concordia University Saint Paul generally make around $42,105. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

8

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University came in at #8 for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $22,727 in student loans. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $45,712 early in their careers. Set against $22,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

9

St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN

St Catherine University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Saint Paul, St Catherine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $29,883. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $41,913. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.