by our College Data Analytics Team
[Teacher Education Grade Specific](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong teacher education grade specific education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment for teacher education grade specific students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the teacher education grade specific degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Fort Peck Community College, our #1 best value for teacher education grade specific in Montana. Located in the rural area of Poplar, Fort Peck Community College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,250. Median earnings reach $14,747 ten years out.
Salish Kootenai College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teacher education grade specific, landing the #2 spot this year. Salish Kootenai College is a small public school located in the rural area of Pablo. Students from in state pay about $4,311 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,583. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Salish Kootenai College earn a median of $52,607 early in their careers.
A rank of #3 makes Montana State University Northern one of the best values for teacher education grade specific. Located in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, while out-of-state students pay about $21,875. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $23,855. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Montana State University Northern generally make around $50,896. Set against $23,855 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montana State University Billings earned it the #4 place for teacher education grade specific. Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Billings. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,280, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $24,652 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $35,132. That is a strong return on a $24,652 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in teacher education grade specific will find it at The University Of Montana Western, which ranked #5. The University Of Montana Western is a small public school located in the town of Dillon. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,669, compared with $20,130 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,269 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of The University Of Montana Western earn a median of $36,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,269 median debt. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
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The University Of Montana placed #6 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $24,880 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $39,078 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,880 median debt. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
Rocky Mountain College earned the #7 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Rocky Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Billings. Students from in state pay about $35,582 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,666 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Rocky Mountain College earn a median of $50,022 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,666 median debt. Rocky Mountain College admits about 70% of applicants.
Montana State University landed the #8 spot for teacher education grade specific value this year. Montana State University is a large public school located in the city of Bozeman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $37,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.