by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Salish Kootenai College the best value for a degree in education in Montana. Located in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,311, compared with $11,583 for out-of-state students. Education graduates of Salish Kootenai College earn a median of $52,607 early in their careers.
Montana State University Northern is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Havre, Montana State University Northern is a small public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,982, compared with $21,875 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $23,855. Early-career education graduates make about $50,896. That is a strong return on a $23,855 median debt.
Montana State University Billings came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,280, compared with $22,897 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $24,652. Education graduates of Montana State University Billings earn a median of $38,964 early in their careers. Set against $24,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Montana Western is a great value for students pursuing a degree in education, landing the #4 spot this year. The University Of Montana Western is a small public school located in the town of Dillon. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,669, with out-of-state students paying around $20,130. Typical student debt for education graduates is $22,642. Early-career education graduates make about $37,710. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Montana Western admits about 100% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Montana one of the best values for education. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,880 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $31,982 early in their careers. Set against $24,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants.
Rocky Mountain College came in at #6 for value in education this year. Set in the city of Billings, Rocky Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,582. Education graduates carry a median of $25,666 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $50,022. That is a strong return on a $25,666 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Montana State University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value education schools. Montana State University is a large public school located in the city of Bozeman. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Education graduates carry a median of $24,239 in student loans. Education graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $51,304 early in their careers. Set against $24,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Carroll College earned the #8 position for value in education this year. Located in the city of Helena, Carroll College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,484 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Carroll College earn a median of $43,469 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.