2026 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/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 86 schools to find the best return on investment for education/teaching of the gifted & talented students.
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2026 Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the education/teaching of the gifted & talented degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools
Our analysis ranked Cuny Hunter College the best value for a degree in education/teaching of the gifted & talented in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $11,091. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $77,182 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.
Cuny Brooklyn College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education/teaching of the gifted & talented, landing the #2 spot this year. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Students borrow a median of $13,303 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $40,843 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Cuny Lehman College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Cuny Lehman College is a large public school located in the city of Bronx. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $13,213 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $54,729. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Florida Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education/teaching of the gifted & talented, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $21,829. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $52,101 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Southern Maine earned it the #5 place for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,593 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of University Of Southern Maine earn a median of $53,572 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,593 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Truman State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. 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. The acceptance rate is 84%.
University Of Georgia earned the #7 position for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $53,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Montclair State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Located in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $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%.
Western Kentucky University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $27,000. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,743 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #10 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,381 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $44,070. That is a strong return on a $28,381 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.
Wichita State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $49,278 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #12 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, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $23,399. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $50,720. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Ball State University placed #13 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Wilmington University landed the #14 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of New Castle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Towson University placed #15 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.
Youngstown State University landed the #16 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $29,125. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $49,025 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Concordia University Chicago placed #17 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Concordia University Chicago generally make around $64,673. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Reno placed #18 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Set in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $50,691. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana came in at #19 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Set in the town of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,864, with out-of-state students paying around $19,652. Students borrow a median of $28,061 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Northwestern State University Of Louisiana generally make around $49,123. That is a strong return on a $28,061 median debt. Northwestern State University Of Louisiana admits about 92% of applicants.
Johns Hopkins University landed the #20 spot for education/teaching of the gifted & talented value this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $68,814. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.
George Mason University came in at #21 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical student debt for education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates is $23,529. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $61,996 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
Cleveland State University placed #22 among the best values for education/teaching of the gifted & talented. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Soon after graduation, education/teaching of the gifted & talented degree recipients from Cleveland State University generally make around $50,916. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates carry a median of $18,387 in student loans. 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. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value education/teaching of the gifted & talented schools. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public school located in the city of Colorado Springs. Students from in state pay about $10,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. Students borrow a median of $23,559 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Education/teaching Of The Gifted & Talented graduates of University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs earn a median of $52,083 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Buena Vista University came in at #25 for value in education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year. Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Storm Lake. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete the education/teaching of the gifted & talented program here. Early-career education/teaching of the gifted & talented graduates make about $44,780. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Education/Teaching of the Gifted & Talented Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for education/teaching of the gifted & talented this year:
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 list is compiled 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 · 86 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 17 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.
