2026 Best Value Teacher Education Grade Specific Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE

Leading the list is Northeast Community College, our #1 best value for teacher education grade specific in the The Plains States Region. Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $11,799. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $24,710. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Jefferson College
Hillsboro, MO

Jefferson College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Located in the rural area of Hillsboro, Jefferson College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Students borrow a median of $13,664 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Jefferson College generally make around $47,560. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt.

3

Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA

Indian Hills Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Located in the town of Ottumwa, Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $15,390. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Indian Hills Community College generally make around $49,626. That is a strong return on a $15,390 median debt.

4

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

A rank of #4 makes Southeast Community College Area one of the best values for teacher education grade specific. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Southeast Community College Area generally make around $44,877. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.

5

Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, IA

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teacher education grade specific, landing the #5 spot this year. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Sioux City. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,886 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $35,742. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE

Western Nebraska Community College earned the #6 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Western Nebraska Community College is a small public school located in the town of Scottsbluff. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,410. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $14,507. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Western Nebraska Community College generally make around $62,413. Set against $14,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Dodge City Community College
Dodge City, KS

Dodge City Community College placed #7 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Set in the town of Dodge City, Dodge City Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,650, while out-of-state students pay about $5,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,427.

8

Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA

Iowa Central Community College came in at #8 for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Located in the town of Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,788. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $16,135 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $39,624. That is a strong return on a $16,135 median debt.

9

University Of Minnesota Morris
Morris, MN

University Of Minnesota Morris landed the #9 spot for teacher education grade specific value this year. Set in the town of Morris, University Of Minnesota Morris is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Students borrow a median of $24,767 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Morris generally make around $46,414. That is a strong return on a $24,767 median debt. University Of Minnesota Morris admits about 75% of applicants.

10

Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport, IA

Eastern Iowa Community College District earned the #10 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $15,995. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $41,510. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

11

Southwestern Community College Creston
Creston, IA

Southwestern Community College Creston earned the #11 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Set in the town of Creston, Southwestern Community College Creston is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,064 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,316. Students borrow a median of $15,881 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Southwestern Community College Creston generally make around $46,106. Set against $15,881 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA

Hawkeye Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Waterloo. Students from in state pay about $6,525 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Hawkeye Community College earn a median of $41,902 early in their careers. Set against $17,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Ridgewater College
Willmar, MN

Ridgewater College landed the #13 spot for teacher education grade specific value this year. Located in the town of Willmar, Ridgewater College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,121. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $15,556 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $42,178. Set against $15,556 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA

Des Moines Area Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $14,956 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $43,121. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt.

15

North Central Missouri College
Trenton, MO

North Central Missouri College came in at #15 for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Located in the town of Trenton, North Central Missouri College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,370, compared with $8,820 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $16,685. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $40,934. Set against $16,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

16

Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA

Iowa Western Community College landed the #16 spot for teacher education grade specific value this year. Set in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $15,153. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Iowa Western Community College earn a median of $43,444 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,153 median debt.

17

College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO

College Of The Ozarks earned the #17 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Set in the town of Point Lookout, College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,360 in tuition and fees. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of College Of The Ozarks earn a median of $32,676 early in their careers. The acceptance rate is 12%.

18

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #18 spot for teacher education grade specific value this year. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $47,123. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

19

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University placed #19 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $41,455 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $23,375 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of University Of Missouri St Louis earn a median of $42,019 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.

21

Oglala Lakota College
Kyle, SD

Oglala Lakota College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Set in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.

22

Minot State University
Minot, ND

Minot State University placed #22 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Set in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $25,823. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $48,425. Set against $25,823 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.

23

Washburn University
Topeka, KS

Washburn University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Washburn University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Topeka. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $22,945. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Washburn University earn a median of $46,519 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,945 median debt.

24

Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MO

Missouri Southern State University placed #24 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Located in the city of Joplin, Missouri Southern State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Students borrow a median of $21,850 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $36,345. Set against $21,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

University Of Missouri Kansas City ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public school located in the city of Kansas City. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. 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 $39,942. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.