Where you study junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching affects both what you pay and what you earn. To help, we created our Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Cuny Brooklyn College the best value for a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching in the United States. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $10,862. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $48,574 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,862 median debt. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Collin County Community College District, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of McKinney, Collin County Community College District is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,014, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $42,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Cuny Lehman College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $13,213 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $62,489. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Austin Community College District earned it the #4 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,785 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,430. That is a strong return on a $17,785 median debt.
College Of The Mainland is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Texas City, College Of The Mainland is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $10,928. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from College Of The Mainland generally make around $40,788. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,995 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $52,885. Set against $20,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.
Northern Essex Community College landed the #7 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,732, while out-of-state students pay about $12,516. Students borrow a median of $10,129 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,682. Set against $10,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Grayson College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the rural area of Denison, Grayson College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Grayson College earn a median of $42,487 early in their careers. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Brazosport College came in at #9 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Lake Jackson, Brazosport College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,388, with out-of-state students paying around $4,711. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Brazosport College generally make around $32,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
South Texas College earned the #10 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $16,902. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt.
University Of Illinois At Springfield earned the #11 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,925. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $44,458. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
The University Of Texas At Brownsville landed the #12 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Brownsville, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $7,750 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $30,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of North Florida placed #13 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $19,097. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $48,255. Set against $19,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.
University Of North Georgia landed the #14 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $49,402. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants.
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,000. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $49,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus admits about 92% of applicants.
North Central Texas College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Gainesville, North Central Texas College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,600, compared with $5,739 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,352 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from North Central Texas College generally make around $43,536. Set against $16,352 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Suny Empire State College came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,693. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $58,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Arkansas State University Beebe ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Beebe, Arkansas State University Beebe is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $7,000 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Arkansas State University Beebe earn a median of $18,025 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Murray State University landed the #19 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,324. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $40,669. That is a strong return on a $22,324 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of Blue Ash, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, compared with $15,904 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $29,867. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt.
University Of Cincinnati Clermont College placed #21 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the suburb of Batavia, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,639, with out-of-state students paying around $13,871. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Clermont College generally make around $29,867. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned the #22 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,447. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earned the #23 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. 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. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Pembroke generally make around $40,578. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #24 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $13,640. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $61,361. Set against $13,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
Clayton State University came in at #25 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Morrow, Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $35,088 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Clayton State University generally make around $42,114. That is a strong return on a $35,088 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 373 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 175 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.
[Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/junior-high-intermediate-middle-school-education-and-teaching/) 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.
