[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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 256 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools.
2027 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools
Cuny Brooklyn College tops our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools in the United States. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $10,862 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $40,843 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. 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. That is a strong return on a $20,995 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earned it the #3 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Students borrow a median of $24,000 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 Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus generally make around $49,087. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of North Florida one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Students borrow a median of $19,097 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $49,208. Set against $19,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at University Of North Georgia, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $19,500. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,099. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #6 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $61,361. That is a strong return on a $13,640 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Springfield landed the #7 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.
Clayton State University landed the #8 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the suburb of Morrow, Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, with out-of-state students paying around $16,532. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $35,088 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Clayton State University earn a median of $42,114 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Murray State University came in at #9 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,324. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $36,871 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $43,342. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #11 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,250. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $42,973 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Saint Xavier University placed #12 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,945 in tuition and fees. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $29,854 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $46,377. That is a strong return on a $29,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Northern Kentucky University landed the #13 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $38,059. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Valdosta State University landed the #14 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $39,692. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.
Gordon State College earned the #15 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Barnesville, Gordon State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,628, while out-of-state students pay about $10,948. Students borrow a median of $23,073 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 Gordon State College generally make around $41,011. Set against $23,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Georgia ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $18,229 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 Georgia generally make around $46,162. Set against $18,229 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Valley City State University landed the #17 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Valley City, Valley City State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Valley City State University earn a median of $44,179 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Rhode Island College landed the #18 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Rhode Island College is a large public school located in the suburb of Providence. Students from in state pay about $11,300 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,299. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,973. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $38,095 early in their careers. Set against $27,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Dominican University came in at #19 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,828 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Dominican University earn a median of $45,924 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Arkansas Fort Smith ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,334 in tuition and fees, 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. Set against $20,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.
Northern Illinois University came in at #21 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $44,214 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
Saginaw Valley State University earned the #22 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Saginaw Valley State University earn a median of $50,012 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
Ohio University Zanesville Campus placed #23 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Zanesville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,050 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Ohio University Zanesville Campus earn a median of $34,983 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,050 median debt.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned the #24 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $48,038 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Morehead State University landed the #25 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Morehead, Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,292 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $36,198. That is a strong return on a $25,292 median debt. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value ranking:
This ranking is produced 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 · 256 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 256 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).
[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. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
