by our College Data Analytics Team
[Elementary Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/elementary-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for elementary education students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the elementary education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Salish Kootenai College, our #1 best value for elementary education in Montana. Salish Kootenai College is a small public school located in the rural area of Pablo. Students from in state pay about $4,311 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,583. Elementary Education graduates of Salish Kootenai College earn a median of $52,607 early in their careers.
Montana State University Northern is a great value for students pursuing a degree in elementary education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, with out-of-state students paying around $21,875. Students borrow a median of $23,855 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $50,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Montana State University Billings one of the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,897. Students borrow a median of $24,652 to complete the elementary education program here. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $35,132. That is a strong return on a $24,652 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes The University Of Montana Western one of the best values for elementary education. The University Of Montana Western is a small public school located in the town of Dillon. In-state tuition and fees average $6,669, while out-of-state students pay about $20,130. Students borrow a median of $23,269 to complete the elementary education program here. Soon after graduation, elementary education degree recipients from The University Of Montana Western generally make around $36,742. That is a strong return on a $23,269 median debt. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Montana one of the best values for elementary education. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,880 to complete the elementary education program here. Elementary Education graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $39,078 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,880 median debt. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
Montana State University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value elementary education schools. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Typical student debt for elementary education graduates is $26,000. Early-career elementary education graduates make about $37,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Carroll College placed #7 among the best values for elementary education. Set in the city of Helena, Carroll College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,484 in tuition and fees. Elementary Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Elementary Education graduates of Carroll College earn a median of $43,469 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carroll College admits about 71% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.