[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 138 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools.
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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.
Cuny Brooklyn College earned the #1 spot for value among junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools 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, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,862 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 Cuny Brooklyn College generally make around $40,843. That is a strong return on a $10,862 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
A rank of #2 makes Cuny Lehman College one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $13,213. 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. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.
University Of South Florida Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $20,995. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,995 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned it the #4 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $13,640 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $61,361 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Portland State University one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,475. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $47,717. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of North Georgia landed the #6 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. 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 $52,705. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.
Valdosta State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Valdosta State University is a large public school located in the city of Valdosta. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,750. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $57,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.
Suny Empire State College came in at #8 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. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. 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.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earned the #9 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pembroke. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. 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 $48,525 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Murray State University placed #10 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $22,324 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,467. Set against $22,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of North Florida earned the #11 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $19,097 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Florida generally make around $49,208. That is a strong return on a $19,097 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Kentucky University earned the #12 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. 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. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $44,388 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants.
Fayetteville State University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fayetteville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,353, compared with $8,353 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $30,087 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Fayetteville State University earn a median of $42,080 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Worcester State University earned the #14 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $22,971. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $42,313. That is a strong return on a $22,971 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
University Of Georgia ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $18,229. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $53,457 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Christian Brothers University landed the #16 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Christian Brothers University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Memphis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,420. Students borrow a median of $32,416 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $51,040. Set against $32,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Christian Brothers University admits about 87% of applicants.
Rhode Island College came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,300, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,973 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $46,143 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,973 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Dominican University earned the #18 position 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. 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. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $45,924. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #19 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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 $45,551. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.
Saint Xavier University landed the #20 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,945. Students borrow a median of $29,854 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $52,674. That is a strong return on a $29,854 median debt. Saint Xavier University admits about 84% of applicants.
Fairmont State University landed the #21 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Fairmont State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Fairmont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,708, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. Students borrow a median of $26,447 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 Fairmont State University generally make around $46,594. Set against $26,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia Southwestern State University landed the #22 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the town of Americus, Georgia Southwestern State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, compared with $16,572 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,431 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $62,821. That is a strong return on a $26,431 median debt. Georgia Southwestern State University admits about 75% of applicants.
Western Kentucky University landed the #23 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 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 Western Kentucky University generally make around $44,778. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
National Louis University landed the #24 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Students borrow a median of $42,172 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 National Louis University generally make around $55,506. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
Morehead State University placed #25 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Morehead, Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,292 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 Morehead State University generally make around $41,046. That is a strong return on a $25,292 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching:
Explore the best-value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools at other degree levels:
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Notes and References
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 · 138 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 138 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.
