[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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools.
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.
Our analysis ranked University Of North Georgia the best value for a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching in Georgia. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $49,402. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
A rank of #2 makes Gordon State College one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the town of Barnesville, Gordon State College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,628, compared with $10,948 for out-of-state students. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $23,073 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Gordon State College generally make around $41,011. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Clayton State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #3 spot this year. Clayton State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Morrow. In-state tuition and fees average $5,180, while out-of-state students pay about $16,532. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $35,088. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $42,114. Set against $35,088 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clayton State University admits about 68% of applicants.
Valdosta State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,750. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Valdosta State University earn a median of $48,722 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Georgia earned it the #5 place for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,229 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $59,279 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,229 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Fort Valley State University earned the #6 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Fort Valley, Fort Valley State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,878. Students borrow a median of $35,963 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $32,127. That is a strong return on a $35,963 median debt. Fort Valley State University admits about 66% of applicants.
Georgia Southwestern State University came in at #7 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Located in the town of Americus, Georgia Southwestern State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Georgia Southwestern State University generally make around $50,897. Set against $26,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southwestern State University admits about 75% of applicants.
Albany State University earned the #8 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Albany State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Albany. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,656, while out-of-state students pay about $17,008. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $44,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Columbus State University came in at #9 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,977 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $55,147. Set against $30,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Kennesaw State University placed #10 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Kennesaw State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kennesaw. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. 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 Kennesaw State University earn a median of $63,630 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Augusta University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Augusta University is a large public school located in the city of Augusta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Students borrow a median of $29,579 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 Augusta University generally make around $42,419. Set against $29,579 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants.
College Of Coastal Georgia landed the #12 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. College Of Coastal Georgia is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Brunswick. In-state tuition and fees average $3,616, while out-of-state students pay about $10,936. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $17,125 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from College Of Coastal Georgia generally make around $40,747. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Georgia Southern University landed the #13 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Georgia Southern University is a very large public school located in the town of Statesboro. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $26,750. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Georgia Southern University generally make around $47,263. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia Gwinnett College landed the #14 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Set in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Georgia Gwinnett College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,532, while out-of-state students pay about $13,844. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $21,590. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $48,203. That is a strong return on a $21,590 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia State University ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $53,265 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University admits about 55% of applicants.
Georgia Military College Milledgeville earned the #16 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Set in the town of Milledgeville, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,605. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $11,116. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $21,591. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Shorter University came in at #17 for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Shorter University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rome. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,630. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,568 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Shorter University generally make around $39,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shorter University admits about 96% of applicants.
Thomas University placed #18 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Located in the town of Thomasville, Thomas University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,640. Students borrow a median of $28,500 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 Thomas University generally make around $59,006. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Brenau University placed #19 among the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Brenau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $33,757 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $38,250 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Brenau University earn a median of $47,002 early in their careers. Set against $38,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Piedmont College landed the #20 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Demorest, Piedmont College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Students borrow a median of $30,026 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 Piedmont College generally make around $48,916. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Georgia College And State University ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Milledgeville, Georgia College And State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,186, with out-of-state students paying around $29,512. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Georgia College And State University earn a median of $50,511 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia College And State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Emmanuel College Georgia ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools. Set in the rural area of Franklin Springs, Emmanuel College Georgia is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,500. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Emmanuel College Georgia earn a median of $30,093 early in their careers. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emmanuel College Georgia admits about 74% of applicants.
Berry College earned the #23 position for value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching this year. Berry College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Mount Berry. In-state tuition and fees average $41,486. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $25,750. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Berry College earn a median of $43,376 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Berry College admits about 64% of applicants.
Truett Mcconnell College landed the #24 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the rural area of Cleveland, Truett Mcconnell College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $26,792 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates is $24,000. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $37,831. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truett Mcconnell College admits about 78% of applicants.
Mercer University landed the #25 spot for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching value this year. Located in the city of Macon, Mercer University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,565. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $47,750 in student loans. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Mercer University earn a median of $53,846 early in their careers. Set against $47,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.
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
The ranking above is published 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 · 27 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 27 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.
