2026 Best Value Child development Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Saint Louis Community College
Bridgeton, MO

Leading the list is Saint Louis Community College, our #1 best value for child development in the The Plains States Region. Set in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Child Development graduates carry a median of $11,424 in student loans. Early-career child development graduates make about $26,593. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt.

2

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Students looking for strong value in child development will find it at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $16,165. Child Development graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $29,534 early in their careers. Set against $16,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value child development schools. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Saint Paul. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,650 to complete the child development program here. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College generally make around $32,055. That is a strong return on a $17,650 median debt.

4

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Missouri earned it the #4 place for child development. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $24,500. Early-career child development graduates make about $36,267. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.

5

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield is a great value for students pursuing a degree in child development, landing the #5 spot this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Child Development graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Child Development graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $32,769 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants.

6

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University placed #6 among the best values for child development. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $42,654. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

7

Concordia University Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #7 spot for child development value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Child Development graduates carry a median of $30,583 in student loans. Child Development graduates of Concordia University Saint Paul earn a median of $42,810 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,583 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

8

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value child development schools. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the child development program here. Child Development graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $36,364 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #9 for value in child development this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $26,000. Early-career child development graduates make about $40,221. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.