by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 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.
Norfolk State University tops our 2027 list of the best value junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching schools in Virginia. Located in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,180, compared with $21,682 for out-of-state students. Early-career junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching graduates make about $54,971. The acceptance rate is 88%.
James Madison University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $52,997 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching will find it at Liberty University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $29,249 to complete the junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching program here. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates of Liberty University earn a median of $32,945 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Shenandoah University one of the best values for junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching. Set in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,950. Junior High/intermediate/middle School Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $26,005 in student loans. Soon after graduation, junior high/intermediate/middle school education & teaching degree recipients from Shenandoah University generally make around $62,948. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.