[Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/junior-high-intermediate-middle-school-education-and-teaching/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 40 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching students.
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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.
Leading the list is Ohio University Zanesville Campus, our #1 best value for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching in Ohio. Located in the town of Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, with out-of-state students paying around $9,444. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,050. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $34,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Ohio University Chillicothe Campus one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Chillicothe, Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,362 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $23,050. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $34,983. That is a strong return on a $23,050 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Ohio University Southern Campus, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Ironton, Ohio University Southern Campus is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. Students borrow a median of $23,050 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $34,983. Set against $23,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Cincinnati Clermont College one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public school located in the suburb of Batavia. Students from in state pay about $6,639 in tuition and fees, 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.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Youngstown State University, which ranked #5. 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. Students borrow a median of $29,500 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $33,735. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants.
Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the rural area of Celina, Wright State University Lake Campus is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $7,372 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. 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 Wright State University Lake Campus earn a median of $36,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt.
Ohio State University Lima Campus came in at #7 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the rural area of Lima, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,432 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Ohio State University Lima Campus generally make around $36,483. Set against $25,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cleveland State University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, 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. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Cleveland State University generally make around $39,226. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #9 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. 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 $35,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
Wright State University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $37,693. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Shawnee State University earned the #11 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Portsmouth, Shawnee State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,448, with out-of-state students paying around $16,032. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,233 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Shawnee State University generally make around $42,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #12 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,432 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $36,483. That is a strong return on a $25,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College landed the #13 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,904. 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 Blue Ash College generally make around $29,867. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt.
University Of Toledo ranked #14 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,100 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $39,947. Set against $24,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Otterbein University came in at #15 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Westerville, Otterbein University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,548 in tuition and fees. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Otterbein University generally make around $38,651. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
College Of Mount St Joseph ranked #16 on our 2027 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. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $28,343. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of College Of Mount St Joseph earn a median of $43,888 early in their careers. Set against $28,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.
Bluffton University came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Bluffton University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bluffton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,362. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $41,821. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bluffton University admits about 67% of applicants.
Heidelberg University came in at #18 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Heidelberg University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Tiffin. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,600. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $42,334. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Walsh University came in at #19 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Walsh University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of North Canton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,030. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,000. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Walsh University earn a median of $34,355 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Walsh University admits about 71% of applicants.
Kent State University At Kent landed the #20 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $21,637. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $31,139. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Hiram College earned the #21 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the rural area of Hiram, Hiram College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,397. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,144. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Hiram College earn a median of $48,572 early in their careers. Set against $27,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. 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 Main Campus earn a median of $34,983 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,050 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.
Malone University placed #23 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Canton, Malone University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,160. Students borrow a median of $27,956 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $37,284. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Ashland University came in at #24 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Ashland University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Ashland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $28,468. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Capital University placed #25 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Capital University earn a median of $42,094 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value ranking:
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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 · 40 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 40 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.
