by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) 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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 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 Sitting Bull College the best value for a degree in education in North Dakota. Set in the rural area of Fort Yates, Sitting Bull College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $28,488 ten years after entry.
Mayville State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #2 spot this year. Mayville State University is a small public school located in the rural area of Mayville. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Mayville State University generally make around $47,010. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Valley City State University one of the best values for education. Valley City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Valley City. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Typical student debt for education graduates is $24,586. Education graduates of Valley City State University earn a median of $50,378 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Minot State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Typical student debt for education graduates is $28,025. Education graduates of Minot State University earn a median of $45,521 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,025 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dickinson State University earned it the #5 place for education. Located in the town of Dickinson, Dickinson State University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for education graduates is $25,750. Early-career education graduates make about $45,502. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted.
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for education value this year. Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Education graduates carry a median of $25,485 in student loans. Education graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $47,637 early in their careers. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.
University Of Mary landed the #7 spot for education value this year. Located in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Typical student debt for education graduates is $27,351. Early-career education graduates make about $46,034. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Dakota earned the #8 position for value in education this year. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Education graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $55,871 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
Jamestown College came in at #9 for value in education this year. Located in the town of Jamestown, Jamestown College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Jamestown College generally make around $49,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
