by our College Data Analytics Team
[Education](/majors/education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value education schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Fort Peck Community College the best value for a degree in education in Montana. Set in the rural area of Poplar, Fort Peck Community College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250. Median earnings reach $14,747 ten years out.
Salish Kootenai College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the rural area of Pablo, Salish Kootenai College is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,311 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,583 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Salish Kootenai College generally make around $52,607.
A rank of #3 makes Montana State University Northern one of the best values for education. Montana State University Northern is a small public school located in the town of Havre. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,982, compared with $21,875 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,855 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $50,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Montana State University Billings came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Billings, Montana State University Billings is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,280, while out-of-state students pay about $22,897. Typical student debt for education graduates is $24,652. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Montana State University Billings generally make around $38,815. 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 #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Dillon, The University Of Montana Western is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,669, with out-of-state students paying around $20,130. Education graduates carry a median of $22,642 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from The University Of Montana Western generally make around $37,739. That is a strong return on a $22,642 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Montana ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,552 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Education graduates carry a median of $24,880 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from The University Of Montana generally make around $35,490. That is a strong return on a $24,880 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Rocky Mountain College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Billings, Rocky Mountain College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,582. Education graduates carry a median of $25,666 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $50,022. Set against $25,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rocky Mountain College admits about 70% of applicants.
Montana State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $24,239 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $51,339. That is a strong return on a $24,239 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.