2026 Best Value Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/kindergarten-preschool-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 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 160 schools to find the best return on investment for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Schools
Western New Mexico University earned the #1 spot for value among kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools in the United States. Western New Mexico University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Silver City. In-state tuition and fees average $7,855, with out-of-state students paying around $14,341. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,425 in student loans. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Western New Mexico University generally make around $48,366. That is a strong return on a $27,425 median debt.
Delaware Technical Community College Terry came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Dover, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,332, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $8,450. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $25,289. That is a strong return on a $8,450 median debt.
Utah Valley University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,625 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $51,242. Set against $11,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Kentucky University earned it the #4 place for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $38,059. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Marshall University one of the best values for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,886 in student loans. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $40,057. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $42,973. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Kean University placed #7 among the best values for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Kean University generally make around $54,447. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Elizabeth City State University landed the #8 spot for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching value this year. Located in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,536, compared with $10,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Elizabeth City State University generally make around $28,300. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #9 spot for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $13,640 in student loans. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $61,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Set in the city of Arecibo, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Students borrow a median of $13,687 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $29,491. Set against $13,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 38% of applicants.
Rhode Island College earned the #11 position for value in kindergarten/preschool 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, compared with $27,299 for out-of-state students. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $27,973 in student loans. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $45,088 early in their careers. Set against $27,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rhode Island College admits about 92% of applicants.
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #12 for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $25,834 in student loans. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $41,090. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Shepherd University came in at #13 for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Located in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,056, compared with $19,082 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Shepherd University generally make around $40,748. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Western Carolina University placed #14 among the best values for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $24,714 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $40,594. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants.
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $53,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Illinois University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $22,075. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $41,582. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro earned the #17 position for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Set in the city of San Juan, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $13,190. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Metro earn a median of $25,967 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
New Mexico Highlands University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Set in the town of Las Vegas, New Mexico Highlands University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,416, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Early-career kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates make about $41,352. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Worcester State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools. Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Worcester. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $22,971 in student loans. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $45,297. Set against $22,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #20 spot for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching value this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates carry a median of $24,763 in student loans. Kindergarten/preschool Education & Teaching graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $42,789 early in their careers. Set against $24,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Old Dominion University came in at #21 for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the kindergarten/preschool education & teaching program here. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $57,131. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Norfolk State University placed #22 among the best values for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Set in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,682. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $51,920. Norfolk State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Mississippi Valley State University earned the #23 position for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Located in the rural area of Itta Bena, Mississippi Valley State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,692. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,919. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Frostburg State University placed #24 among the best values for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching. Located in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $42,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Suny College At Buffalo earned the #25 position for value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching this year. Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Buffalo. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Typical student debt for kindergarten/preschool education & teaching graduates is $26,999. Soon after graduation, kindergarten/preschool education & teaching degree recipients from Suny College At Buffalo generally make around $39,412. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in kindergarten/preschool education & teaching:
Other Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Degree Levels
Explore the best-value kindergarten/preschool education & teaching schools at other degree levels:
View All Kindergarten/Preschool Education & Teaching Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 160 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.
