2026 Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1895 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated schools to build 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 Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Concordia University Chicago this year in the United States. Based 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. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $23,250. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. More on Concordia University Chicago
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Texas, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $32,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,613 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Concordia University Texas alumni report median earnings of $60,883 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Texas has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Concordia University Texas
Out of the 1895 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Capella University landed the #3 spot. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $35,998. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Capella University profile
Out of the 1895 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Montclair State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Montclair State University report
A rank of #5 makes Gwynedd Mercy College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,838. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Gwynedd Mercy College alumni report median earnings of $67,145 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Gwynedd Mercy College
Universidad Metropolitana placed #6 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Based in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $16,125. Median earnings reach $24,490 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Universidad Metropolitana
Kennesaw State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Kennesaw State University alumni report median earnings of $57,552 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kennesaw State University
Brenau University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gainesville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,757. Students borrow a median of $38,250 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,003. That is a strong return on a $38,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Brenau University
Grand Canyon University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Students borrow a median of $36,334 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Set against $36,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
New Jersey City University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. New Jersey City University is a public school based in Jersey City, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,460. Students borrow a median of $22,107 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,745. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on New Jersey City University
Depaul University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $27,000. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Depaul University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,229 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $18,229 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $20,031. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #16 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Ball State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,655 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,655 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Ball State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,913 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,913 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $23,796. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
University Of California Davis placed #20 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $14,404. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of California Davis
Jackson State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,965 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,965. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Jackson State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Kansas State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $24,999 in debt. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
University Of Arkansas came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $26,141. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $26,141 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. Based in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Georgia State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Georgia State University
University Of New England landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Biddeford, ME, University Of New England is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,210. Students borrow a median of $25,142 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Median earnings reach $55,921 ten years out. Set against $25,142 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New England admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of New England
University Of San Francisco landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. University Of San Francisco Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $23,935 in debt. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,935 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
University Of Iowa ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Iowa
Florida International University placed #29 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. The median Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program debt is $16,490. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida International University report
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,864, with out-of-state students paying around $19,652. Students borrow a median of $23,662 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $22,626. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $22,626 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $25,120. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $23,050 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $23,050 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Oakland University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $29,019 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. That is a strong return on a $29,019 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Oakland University
Auburn University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on Auburn University
Oregon State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Oregon State University is a public school based in Corvallis, OR. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $24,043 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oregon State University
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,906 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. Set against $25,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report
The University Of Alabama placed #39 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. The University Of Alabama Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $26,875 in debt. The University Of Alabama alumni report median earnings of $59,221 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
Vanderbilt University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
University At Buffalo placed #41 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $22,232. University At Buffalo alumni report median earnings of $70,814 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University At Buffalo report
Regent University placed #42 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $31,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. Set against $31,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Regent University
East Tennessee State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. East Tennessee State University Teacher Education Development Levels Methods students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on East Tennessee State University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $25,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. That is a strong return on a $25,234 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Tufts University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Typical Teacher Education Development Levels Methods student debt is $17,074. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,214. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of Massachusetts Boston offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. University Of Massachusetts Boston alumni report median earnings of $65,865 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Massachusetts Boston
University Of Connecticut came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $25,081 to complete their Teacher Education Development Levels Methods program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $25,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Connecticut profile
Colgate University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Colgate University profile
Cuny Medgar Evers College placed #49 among the best-value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods schools in the United States. Get the full Cuny Medgar Evers College report
Fitchburg State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Fitchburg State University
Related Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education Development Levels Methods Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1895 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).