2026 Best Value Elementary & Middle School Administration/Principalship Schools in the Southeast Region

1

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

Our analysis ranked Arkansas State University Main Campus the best value for a degree in elementary & middle school administration/principalship in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $23,399. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $58,182. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

2

Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Henderson State University earned it the #2 place for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Henderson State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Arkadelphia. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,234 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Henderson State University earn a median of $49,902 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

University Of Louisville
Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value elementary & middle school administration/principalship schools. University Of Louisville is a very large public school located in the city of Louisville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $21,910. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $58,534 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

4

Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN

A rank of #4 makes Carson Newman College one of the best values for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Set in the suburb of Jefferson City, Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $48,797. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Charleston Southern University earned it the #5 place for elementary & middle school administration/principalship. Charleston Southern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Charleston. Students from in state pay about $32,520 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates is $27,569. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Charleston Southern University earn a median of $46,288 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

6

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama came in at #6 for value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year. The University Of Alabama is a very large public school located in the city of Tuscaloosa. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. Early-career elementary & middle school administration/principalship graduates make about $50,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

7

Furman University
Greenville, SC

Furman University came in at #7 for value in elementary & middle school administration/principalship this year. Set in the suburb of Greenville, Furman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,770. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates carry a median of $23,764 in student loans. Elementary & Middle School Administration/principalship graduates of Furman University earn a median of $36,520 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,764 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.