2026 Best Value Child development Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Community College Of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA

Our analysis ranked Community College Of Allegheny County the best value for a degree in child development in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Community College Of Allegheny County is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $12,583. Students borrow a median of $9,651 to complete the child development program here. Early-career child development graduates make about $28,078. That is a strong return on a $9,651 median debt.

2

Reading Area Community College
Reading, PA

Reading Area Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in child development, landing the #2 spot this year. Reading Area Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Reading. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,480, compared with $12,510 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $13,979. Child Development graduates of Reading Area Community College earn a median of $49,248 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,979 median debt.

3

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in child development, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Child Development graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career child development graduates make about $50,370. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Indiana, PA

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value child development schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $26,817 to complete the child development program here. Early-career child development graduates make about $30,675. Set against $26,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

5

Bowie State University
Bowie, MD

Bowie State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value child development schools. Bowie State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bowie. Students from in state pay about $9,218 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,938. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $26,125. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Bowie State University generally make around $34,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University World Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value child development schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

7

Saint Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, NY

Saint Bonaventure University came in at #7 for value in child development this year. Saint Bonaventure University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Saint Bonaventure. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,735. Typical student debt for child development graduates is $25,917. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Saint Bonaventure University generally make around $43,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

8

Messiah College
Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah College earned the #8 position for value in child development this year. Set in the suburb of Mechanicsburg, Messiah College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,240. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the child development program here. Child Development graduates of Messiah College earn a median of $48,957 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.

9

Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary
Bethlehem, PA

Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary landed the #9 spot for child development value this year. Set in the city of Bethlehem, Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,500. Child Development graduates carry a median of $26,857 in student loans. Soon after graduation, child development degree recipients from Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary generally make around $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 54%.

10

University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester came in at #10 for value in child development this year. University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,517 to complete the child development program here. Early-career child development graduates make about $60,865. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

11

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for child development value this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.