2026 Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools
Looking for the best-value Curriculum Instruction programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 494 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
You'll get strong value at Jamestown College, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jamestown, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,990. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $27,000. Jamestown College alumni report median earnings of $56,621 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Jamestown College has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Jamestown College
A rank of #3 makes Concordia University Irvine one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #4 on this year's best-value Curriculum Instruction ranking in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,036 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Fitchburg State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,840 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Western Governors University placed #7 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Governors University report
Ashland University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,210 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ashland University
Doane College Crete placed #10 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Mcdaniel College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,916. Median earnings reach $54,664 ten years out. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Wisconsin Lutheran College
Viterbo University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $29,107. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Viterbo University
Buena Vista University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Graduates carry a median of $29,317 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Wayne State College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wayne State College
Concordia University Seward landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Concordia University Seward report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Hood College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,703. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Hood College report
Worcester State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,451 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile
Mckendree University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Mckendree University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,572 ten years out. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mckendree University profile
Piedmont College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Piedmont College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Piedmont College profile
Drake University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Drake University
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $23,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Ferris State University
Berry College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Berry, GA. Students from in state pay about $41,486 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,797 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Berry College alumni report median earnings of $53,800 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. Berry College admits about 64% of applicants. See the full Berry College profile
Dordt College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,050 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,559 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,812 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Dordt College
Peru State College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,433 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,254 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,071. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Read the full report on Peru State College
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Alverno College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $34,425. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Alverno College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Curriculum Instruction Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $27,471. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,143 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Northern State University
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,415. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
William Woods University placed #33 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,340. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,512. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on William Woods University
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Mount Marty College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,600. Mount Marty College Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,179 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mount Marty College
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,695 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,926 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Warner University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Set in Lake Wales, FL, Warner University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,992. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,802. Warner University alumni report median earnings of $46,086 a decade after entry. Set against $25,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Warner University admits about 43% of applicants. See the full Warner University profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #38 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Olivet Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Curriculum Instruction program here. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $24,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Fresno Pacific University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Located in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Fresno Pacific University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $24,596 in debt. Fresno Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $58,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full Fresno Pacific University profile
City University Of Seattle landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. City University Of Seattle alumni report median earnings of $69,460 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about City University Of Seattle
Youngstown State University placed #43 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $26,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Illinois State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $21,896. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Chadron State College placed #46 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Set in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Graduates carry a median of $22,912 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,002 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. Get the full Chadron State College report
Carroll University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $26,904. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,009. That is a strong return on a $26,904 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carroll University profile
Missouri Southern State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Missouri Southern State University is a public school based in Joplin, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Missouri Southern State University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $22,241 in debt. Missouri Southern State University alumni report median earnings of $42,620 a decade after entry. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full Missouri Southern State University profile
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University placed #49 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,064. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $28,248 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,238 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
Evangel University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. The median Curriculum Instruction program debt is $24,876. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Evangel University profile
Georgetown College landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Georgetown, KY, Georgetown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,938 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,074. Set against $26,938 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown College has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Georgetown College
North Central College came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Based in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. Typical Curriculum Instruction student debt is $25,699. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,123 ten years after entry. Set against $25,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Central College report
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Curriculum Instruction students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
National Louis University placed #55 among the best-value Curriculum Instruction schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full National Louis University report
Best Value Curriculum Instruction Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Curriculum Instruction Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 494 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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