by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for education students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Oglala Lakota College the best value for a degree in education in South Dakota. Set in the rural area of Kyle, Oglala Lakota College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.
Black Hills State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Located in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,916, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Education graduates carry a median of $26,624 in student loans. Education graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of $48,513 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Northern State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #3 spot this year. Northern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Aberdeen. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $24,242 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Northern State University generally make around $46,055. That is a strong return on a $24,242 median debt. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in education will find it at South Dakota State University, which ranked #4. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical student debt for education graduates is $25,992. Early-career education graduates make about $45,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Students looking for strong value in education will find it at Sinte Gleska University, which ranked #5. Sinte Gleska University is a small public school located in the rural area of Mission. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,714. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $20,948.
University Of South Dakota came in at #6 for value in education this year. Located in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $51,346. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Dakota Wesleyan University landed the #7 spot for education value this year. Located in the town of Mitchell, Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,790. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $71,856. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Dakota State University placed #8 among the best values for education. Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Education graduates carry a median of $29,342 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $45,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Sioux Falls placed #9 among the best values for education. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Typical student debt for education graduates is $27,000. Early-career education graduates make about $43,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Mount Marty College landed the #10 spot for education value this year. Located in the town of Yankton, Mount Marty College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Education graduates of Mount Marty College earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.
Augustana College South Dakota placed #11 among the best values for education. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,160. Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Education graduates of Augustana College South Dakota earn a median of $44,510 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.