[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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 29 schools to find the best return on investment for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching students.
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 Northampton County Area Community College this year. Located in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,550, compared with $15,270 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $13,796 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $26,956. That is a strong return on a $13,796 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montgomery County Community College earned it the #2 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Montgomery County Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Bell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,690, compared with $17,250 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $20,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the town of Bloomsburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,046, while out-of-state students pay about $22,870. 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 Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $43,291. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania admits about 93% of applicants.
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. 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 $42,972. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #5. Located in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. 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 East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,557 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania Western University placed #6 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, compared with $16,054 for out-of-state students. 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 Pennsylvania Western University earn a median of $37,833 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
York College Pennsylvania ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,588. 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 $44,194. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants.
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown earned the #8 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a small public school located in the suburb of Johnstown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,906, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. 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 University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $36,248. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants.
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #9 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $27,000. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Millersville University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $45,145 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #10 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kutztown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. 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 Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $50,484 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants.
Gannon University landed the #11 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Gannon University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Erie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,656. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,934. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Gannon University earn a median of $44,313 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.
Seton Hill University placed #13 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Seton Hill University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,944. 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 Seton Hill University earn a median of $53,485 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Robert Morris University placed #14 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the suburb of Moon Township, Robert Morris University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,770. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,748 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Robert Morris University generally make around $58,900. Set against $26,748 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Francis University landed the #15 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the rural area of Loretto, Saint Francis University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,388. Students borrow a median of $30,729 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $63,097. Set against $30,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Saint Vincent College landed the #16 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Saint Vincent College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Latrobe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. 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 Saint Vincent College earn a median of $44,278 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earned the #17 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,435. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $47,319 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Messiah College earned the #18 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Mechanicsburg, Messiah College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. 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 Messiah College generally make around $50,389. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
Lancaster Bible College earned the #19 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Lancaster Bible College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lancaster. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,990. Students borrow a median of $26,775 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 Lancaster Bible College generally make around $24,449. Set against $26,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Geneva College earned the #20 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the suburb of Beaver Falls, Geneva College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,450. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,250. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Geneva College earn a median of $33,818 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Elizabethtown College came in at #21 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Elizabethtown College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Elizabethtown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,950. 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 $50,725. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Wilkes University earned the #22 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Wilkes University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wilkes-Barre. Students from in state pay about $43,496 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 Wilkes University earn a median of $53,433 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wilkes University admits about 91% of applicants.
Eastern University came in at #23 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Davids, Eastern University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $38,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $40,160. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Eastern University generally make around $42,696. Set against $40,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern University admits about 91% of applicants.
Temple University landed the #24 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $57,473. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $99,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
These schools also delivered strong value for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year:
More Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Rankings
View All Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education & Teaching Rankings >
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 · 29 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 29 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.
