by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find the best return on investment for education students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Trinity Washington University earned the #1 spot for value among education schools in District of Columbia. Located in the city of Washington, Trinity Washington University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $26,610 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,194 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $66,904. That is a strong return on a $31,194 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of The District Of Columbia one of the best values for education. Located in the city of Washington, University Of The District Of Columbia is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,662, compared with $12,514 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $11,200. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of The District Of Columbia generally make around $71,998. That is a strong return on a $11,200 median debt.
Catholic University Of America is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Education graduates carry a median of $25,771 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $65,120. Set against $25,771 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Strayer University Global Region earned it the #4 place for education. Located in the city of Washington, Strayer University Global Region is a large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,920. Typical student debt for education graduates is $45,932. Early-career education graduates make about $47,858. That is a strong return on a $45,932 median debt.
George Washington University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Education graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Education graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $79,409 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%.
Georgetown University came in at #6 for value in education this year. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Typical student debt for education graduates is $16,483. Early-career education graduates make about $62,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgetown University admits about 13% of applicants.
American University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from American University generally make around $64,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American University admits about 62% of applicants.
Howard University landed the #8 spot for education value this year. Located in the city of Washington, Howard University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $35,810 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for education graduates is $25,498. Education graduates of Howard University earn a median of $58,495 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,498 median debt. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.