[Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/junior-high-intermediate-middle-school-education-and-teaching/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 31 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, no school beat Grayson College this year. Located in the rural area of Denison, Grayson College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $11,627 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Grayson College generally make around $42,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Collin County Community College District earned it the #2 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Collin County Community College District is a very large public school located in the suburb of McKinney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $9,125 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Collin County Community College District earn a median of $42,177 early in their careers. Set against $9,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Austin Community College District, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. 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. Set against $17,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of The Mainland came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Texas City, College Of The Mainland is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. 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.
Northern Essex Community College 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 suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,732, with out-of-state students paying around $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.
North Central Texas College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. North Central Texas College is a large public school located in the town of Gainesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,600, with out-of-state students paying around $5,739. Students borrow a median of $16,352 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $43,536. Set against $16,352 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Texas At Brownsville placed #7 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a large public school located in the city of Brownsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,148, compared with $4,948 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $7,750. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $30,343. Set against $7,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Texas College earned the #8 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. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $16,902. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Brazosport College placed #9 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the suburb of Lake Jackson, Brazosport College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,388, compared with $4,711 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $6,625. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Brazosport College generally make around $32,746. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt.
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #10 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Arkansas State University Newport is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Newport. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Students borrow a median of $10,925 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 Arkansas State University Newport generally make around $44,500. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Howard College ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Big Spring, Howard College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,766, compared with $6,716 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $14,242. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $41,039. Set against $14,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arkansas State University Mountain Home ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Mountain Home, Arkansas State University Mountain Home is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,776. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $18,097. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Arkansas State University Mountain Home generally make around $39,011. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton earned the #13 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Morrilton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $4,728 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Arkansas Community College Morrilton earn a median of $47,729 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,758 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.
University Of Arkansas Fort Smith landed the #14 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fort Smith. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,334, while out-of-state students pay about $12,182. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $20,304. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $40,565 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Ozarka College ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the rural area of Melbourne, Ozarka College is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,820, with out-of-state students paying around $6,820. Students borrow a median of $11,778 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Ozarka College earn a median of $48,116 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Arkansas State University Beebe earned the #16 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Arkansas State University Beebe is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Beebe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $5,232. Students borrow a median of $7,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. 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.
Hill College earned the #17 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Hillsboro, Hill College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,862 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $12,302. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $39,212. That is a strong return on a $12,302 median debt.
Granite State College placed #18 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Manchester, Granite State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,770 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Granite State College generally make around $54,169. Set against $26,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Northampton County Area Community College came in at #19 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $13,796. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Northampton County Area Community College earn a median of $26,956 early in their careers. Set against $13,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Montgomery County Community College ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,690 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,250. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $14,250 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $20,885. That is a strong return on a $14,250 median debt.
Youngstown State University ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $29,500. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $33,735. Set against $29,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earned the #22 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Batavia, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earn a median of $29,867 early in their careers. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus came in at #23 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Magnolia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. Students borrow a median of $16,316 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus generally make around $41,723. That is a strong return on a $16,316 median debt. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
Lewis University came in at #24 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,000. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,503. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College placed #25 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the suburb of Blue Ash, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,904. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College earn a median of $29,867 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
These schools also delivered strong value for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year:
Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching rankings across degree levels:
View All Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Rankings >
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 · 31 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 31 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.
