[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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 88 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools.
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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.
Leading the list is University Of Illinois At Springfield, our #1 best value for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. 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. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, which ranked #2. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, compared with $15,904 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $15,625. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $29,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $25,250. 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. The acceptance rate is 70%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earned it the #4 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public school located in the suburb of Batavia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,639, while out-of-state students pay about $13,871. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $15,625. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Clermont College generally make around $29,867. Set against $15,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Illinois University earned it the #5 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Students borrow a median of $25,133 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $47,352 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,133 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants.
Northeastern Illinois University landed the #6 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,383, compared with $22,726 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $15,612 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of $51,301 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern Illinois University admits about 75% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #7 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. 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 $50,601. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Saint Xavier University landed the #8 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,945. Students borrow a median of $29,854 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 Saint Xavier University generally make around $49,526. That is a strong return on a $29,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Eastern Illinois University placed #9 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,075 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $41,582. Set against $22,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Ohio State University Marion Campus earned the #10 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Marion, Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Students borrow a median of $25,432 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $36,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Dominican University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,828. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants.
Youngstown State University landed the #12 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $29,500 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $33,735. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #13 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Students borrow a median of $26,000 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 University Of Wisconsin Platteville generally make around $39,290. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Saginaw Valley State University placed #14 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Center. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $50,012. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
Ball State University earned the #15 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,655 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $48,051 early in their careers. Set against $24,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of St Francis came in at #16 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, University Of St Francis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,110. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $23,878 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of St Francis generally make around $43,864. That is a strong return on a $23,878 median debt. University Of St Francis admits about 65% of applicants.
Wright State University Lake Campus earned the #17 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Wright State University Lake Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Celina. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,000. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $36,332. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wright State University Main Campus placed #18 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $37,693. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #19 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. 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 University Of Akron Main Campus earn a median of $35,368 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
National Louis University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Chicago, National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Students borrow a median of $42,172 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of National Louis University earn a median of $47,995 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $42,172 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Concordia University Chicago ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Concordia University Chicago generally make around $51,004. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants.
Cleveland State University landed the #22 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $39,226. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Trinity Christian College landed the #23 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the suburb of Palos Heights, Trinity Christian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,605. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,000. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Trinity Christian College earn a median of $45,968 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Shawnee State University placed #24 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Portsmouth, Shawnee State University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,032. Students borrow a median of $25,233 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 Shawnee State University generally make around $42,878. Set against $25,233 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
College Of Mount St Joseph ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of Cincinnati, College Of Mount St Joseph is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,150. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $28,343 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $43,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%.
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching:
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 88 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 46 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.
