2027 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Maine
[Elementary Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/) 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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for elementary education students.
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2027 Best Value Elementary Education Schools in Maine
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in elementary education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Elementary Education Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Maine At Presque Isle the best value for a degree in elementary education in Maine. University Of Maine At Presque Isle is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Presque Isle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,402, compared with $14,862 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,434. Elementary Education graduates of University Of Maine At Presque Isle earn a median of $41,148 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,434 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Maine At Augusta one of the best values for elementary education. Located in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,888 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,178. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $29,313 in student loans. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from University Of Maine At Augusta generally make around $45,574. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Southern Maine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,940 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $23,593. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $47,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Maine At Farmington one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,308, with out-of-state students paying around $23,878. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $26,094 in student loans. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $38,835. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.
University Of Maine came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value elementary education schools. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $38,924. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maine admits about 97% of applicants.
Thomas College came in at #6 for value in elementary education this year. Located in the town of Waterville, Thomas College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from Thomas College generally make around $38,994. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Husson University earned the #7 position for value in elementary education this year. Husson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bangor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,304. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,000. Elementary Education graduates of Husson University earn a median of $40,485 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Josephs College Of Maine earned the #8 position for value in elementary education this year. Set in the rural area of Standish, Saint Josephs College Of Maine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,420 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $27,000. Elementary Education graduates of Saint Josephs College Of Maine earn a median of $41,392 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
University Of New England landed the #9 spot for elementary education value this year. Set in the suburb of Biddeford, University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,210. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $25,142 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of University Of New England earn a median of $68,490 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,142 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
More Elementary Education Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 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.
