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 11 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.
Our analysis ranked Snow College the best value for a degree in education in Utah. Located in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $10,440. Education graduates of Snow College earn a median of $42,776 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Utah Valley University one of the best values for education. Set in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Students borrow a median of $17,890 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $49,388. Set against $17,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salt Lake Community College earned it the #3 place for education. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Education graduates carry a median of $13,649 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $42,031. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Weber State University one of the best values for education. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Education graduates carry a median of $25,799 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $52,216. Set against $25,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Utah University earned it the #5 place for education. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Education graduates carry a median of $16,151 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $45,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Western Governors University placed #6 among the best values for education. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,146 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $52,791 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Utah State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $15,494 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $52,721. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical student debt for education graduates is $9,627. Education graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $47,654 early in their careers. Set against $9,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
Dixie State College Of Utah earned the #9 position for value in education this year. Set in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,306 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Typical student debt for education graduates is $27,565. Education graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $51,355 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,565 median debt.
University Of Utah placed #10 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Education graduates carry a median of $25,472 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $69,905. That is a strong return on a $25,472 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Westminster College Utah placed #11 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, Westminster College Utah is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,528 in tuition and fees. Education graduates carry a median of $23,090 in student loans. Education graduates of Westminster College Utah earn a median of $56,966 early in their careers. Set against $23,090 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.