2026 Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools
[Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship](/majors/education/educational-administration/elementary-and-middle-school-administration-principalship/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 45 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools.
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Finding the Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship School for You
Where you study elementary & middle school administration/principalship affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
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2026 Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the elementary & middle school administration/principalship degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools
Leading the list is University Of Southern Maine, our #1 best value for elementary & middle school administration/principalship in the United States. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,593 in student loans. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $47,003. Set against $23,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Worcester State University one of the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $45,297. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship will find it at Ohio State University Marion Campus, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Marion, Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Ohio State University Marion Campus earn a median of $36,487 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arkansas State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,399. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $58,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Lima Campus earned it the #5 place for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Set in the rural area of Lima, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Ohio State University Lima Campus generally make around $36,487. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt.
Northern Arizona University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $21,645. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $72,219. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Located in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $43,255 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Suny College At Buffalo ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Set in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,533, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Suny College At Buffalo earn a median of $55,322 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.
Northwest Missouri State University placed #9 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,939. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Fitchburg State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Fitchburg. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $25,840. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Fitchburg State University generally make around $48,965. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants.
Wayne State College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Located in the town of Wayne, Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $22,974. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $65,798. That is a strong return on a $22,974 median debt.
Ohio State University Newark Campus landed the #12 spot for elementary & middle school administration/principalship value this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, Ohio State University Newark Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Ohio State University Newark Campus generally make around $36,487. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ball State University landed the #13 spot for elementary & middle school administration/principalship value this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $63,782 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Central Missouri placed #14 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $45,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants.
Suny College At Oswego placed #15 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Oswego. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,825, compared with $18,735 for out-of-state students. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $25,163 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Suny College At Oswego earn a median of $41,899 early in their careers. Set against $25,163 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Suny College At Plattsburgh placed #16 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Set in the town of Plattsburgh, Suny College At Plattsburgh is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,035, with out-of-state students paying around $18,945. Students borrow a median of $24,217 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $38,328. That is a strong return on a $24,217 median debt. Suny College At Plattsburgh admits about 78% of applicants.
Ohio State University Mansfield Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Ohio State University Mansfield Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Mansfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Ohio State University Mansfield Campus generally make around $36,487. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,000. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $36,487. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
University Of Louisville came in at #19 for value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year. Set in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $21,910. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from University Of Louisville generally make around $58,534. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants.
State University Of New York At New Paltz placed #20 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of New Paltz. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,822. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $21,530. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of State University Of New York At New Paltz earn a median of $111,490 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,530 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
Idaho State University came in at #21 for value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year. Set in the city of Pocatello, Idaho State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,610, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $24,640 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Idaho State University earn a median of $51,446 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt.
Henderson State University placed #22 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Located in the town of Arkadelphia, Henderson State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, with out-of-state students paying around $10,620. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,234. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Henderson State University generally make around $49,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Suny At Albany ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. Suny At Albany is a very large public school located in the city of Albany. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $44,736. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.
University Of Mary came in at #24 for value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $54,998 early in their careers. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.
Carson Newman College placed #25 among the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Jefferson City. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete the elementary & middle school administration/principalship program here. Soon after graduation, elementary & middle school administration/principalship degree recipients from Carson Newman College generally make around $48,797. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Rest of the Top 38 Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 45 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 14 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
