2027 Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Master’s Degree Schools
[Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented](/majors/education/special-education/teaching-the-gifted-and-talented/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 49 schools to find the best return on investment for education/teaching of the gifted & talented students.
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2027 Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools
For return on investment in education/teaching of the gifted & talented, no school beat Cuny Hunter College this year. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $77,182. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 54%.
Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $13,303. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $40,843. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Lehman College earned it the #3 place for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Students borrow a median of $13,213 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Cuny Lehman College earn a median of $54,729 early in their careers. Set against $13,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Wichita State University one of the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $49,278. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Students looking for strong value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented will find it at University Of Georgia, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $59,563 early in their careers. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Located in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Arkansas State University Main Campus generally make around $50,720. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Western Kentucky University earned the #7 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $44,743. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Truman State University placed #8 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $23,168. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Truman State University earn a median of $39,764 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University came in at #9 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $58,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Eastern Kentucky University earned the #10 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $28,381 in student loans. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $43,891 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,381 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Southern Maine landed the #11 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $23,593. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from University Of Southern Maine generally make around $53,572. Set against $23,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
Montclair State University earned the #12 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $69,017. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Kennesaw State University landed the #13 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $27,004. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $53,824. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Youngstown State University earned the #14 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $29,125 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $49,025. That is a strong return on a $29,125 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned the #15 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,602 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $51,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Wilmington University came in at #16 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $57,142. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #17 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $18,387 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $53,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.
William Carey University came in at #18 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. William Carey University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hattiesburg. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,079 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $46,292. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Carey University admits about 60% of applicants.
Towson University placed #19 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $64,822. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.
George Mason University earned the #20 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $61,996. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
East Carolina University placed #21 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $26,416 in student loans. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $50,433. Set against $26,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs landed the #22 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Set in the city of Colorado Springs, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,906 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,559 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $52,083. Set against $23,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Johns Hopkins University earned the #23 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Set in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $13,426. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University generally make around $68,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.
Concordia University Chicago ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Concordia University Chicago earn a median of $64,673 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania Western University earned the #25 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $28,263 in student loans. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Pennsylvania Western University earn a median of $45,448 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 49 Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented:
Other Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Degree Levels
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented rankings across degree levels:
View All Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 49 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 49 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
