2026 Best Value Education Philosophy Schools
Looking for the best-value Education Philosophy programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 83 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Education Philosophy Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Eastern Mennonite University, our #1 best-value Education Philosophy school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,920. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $54,869 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Mennonite University report
Out of the 83 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #2 spot. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Out of the 83 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Drury University landed the #3 spot. Based in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,745. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $26,641. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,694. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full Drury University report
A rank of #4 makes Loyola University Chicago one of the best values in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
You'll get strong value at Washington State University, which ranked #5 this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Washington State University report
University Of Northern Iowa placed #6 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Education Philosophy students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $25,310. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
University Of Georgia placed #8 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $21,792. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Utah came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
Hope International University placed #10 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Fullerton, CA, Hope International University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,125. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $24,656. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,697. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hope International University has an acceptance rate of 33%. More on Hope International University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Pennsylvania placed #12 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
University Of Arkansas placed #14 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Education Philosophy students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Northwestern University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $16,616. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern University report
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $18,559. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. Set against $18,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on University Of California Santa Cruz
University Of Iowa ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $24,463. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #21 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Education Philosophy students take on a median of $25,120 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Education Philosophy students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Indiana University Bloomington placed #23 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $23,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Florida State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Florida State University Education Philosophy students take on a median of $20,488 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Education Philosophy Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Georgia State University placed #26 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,091 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,384 ten years after entry. Set against $26,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Georgia State University report
Arizona State University placed #27 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Western Michigan University placed #29 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University At Buffalo ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. University At Buffalo Education Philosophy students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University At Buffalo report
University Of Toledo offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Toledo, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, while out-of-state students pay about $21,517. Students borrow a median of $24,923 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Kent State University At Kent placed #32 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
Syracuse University placed #33 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $26,130. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Set against $26,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Syracuse University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #34 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Located in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $20,577. University Of Hawaii At Manoa alumni report median earnings of $57,624 a decade after entry. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Michigan State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $22,034. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,034 median debt. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of Oregon
University Of California Riverside ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Based in Riverside, CA, University Of California Riverside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,699. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of California Riverside
University Of California Los Angeles placed #38 among the best-value Education Philosophy schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $16,097. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $19,738. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
High Point University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in High Point, NC, High Point University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,312. Students borrow a median of $23,785 to complete their Education Philosophy program here. High Point University alumni report median earnings of $61,389 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full High Point University profile
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Typical Education Philosophy student debt is $24,472. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of South Carolina Columbia report
Eastern Michigan University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. The median Education Philosophy program debt is $28,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Education Philosophy schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Northern Arizona University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Chapman University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Chapman University report
Southern Connecticut State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Southern Connecticut State University
Northern Kentucky University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Immaculata University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Immaculata University report
Best Value Education Philosophy Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Education Philosophy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Education Philosophy 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 83 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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