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2026 Best Value Science Education Schools in North Carolina

3 Colleges in the United States
$25,615 Avg Student Debt
$53,132 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Science Education Badge [Science Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/science-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong science education education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for science education students.

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2026 Best Value Science Education Schools in North Carolina

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in science education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Science Education Schools

1

Western Carolina University earned the #1 spot for value among science education schools in North Carolina. Located in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $25,500. Early-career science education graduates make about $41,444. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Students borrow a median of $26,660 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Pembroke generally make around $40,578. That is a strong return on a $26,660 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants.

3

A rank of #3 makes East Carolina University one of the best values for science education. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $26,000. Science Education graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $48,318 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

4

North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a great value for students pursuing a degree in science education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical student debt for science education graduates is $25,000. Early-career science education graduates make about $50,110. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5
Mount Olive College crest
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC

Mount Olive College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value science education schools. Set in the rural area of Mount Olive, Mount Olive College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,366. Science Education graduates carry a median of $26,889 in student loans. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Mount Olive College generally make around $45,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Olive College admits about 76% of applicants.

6
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University earned the #6 position for value in science education this year. Located in the town of Buies Creek, Campbell University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,600. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete the science education program here. Soon after graduation, science education degree recipients from Campbell University generally make around $54,629. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Campbell University admits about 87% of applicants.

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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 · 11 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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