2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 reviewed 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 Teacher Education And Development Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Itawamba Community College landed the #2 spot. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,820. Students borrow a median of $10,942 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,912. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Itawamba Community College
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $13,680. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $13,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $9,117 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Spokane Falls Community College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,031 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. That is a strong return on a $17,031 median debt. Get the full Spokane Falls Community College report
Chadron State College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Students borrow a median of $24,943 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chadron State College profile
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $25,957 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,075 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,957 median debt. Get the full Wayne State College report
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,830, compared with $6,060 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $9,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,442. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. Get the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff report
University Of The Cumberlands ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Northeast Community College placed #10 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $11,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeast Community College profile
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $28,324. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $28,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on Minot State University
Western Governors University placed #12 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $25,145 in student loans. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,145 median debt. Read more about Western Governors University
Vandercook College Of Music offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Vandercook College Of Music is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,910. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,863. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vandercook College Of Music has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Vandercook College Of Music
Worcester State University placed #14 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Viterbo University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,250. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
Valley City State University placed #16 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valley City, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,394 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $24,394 median debt. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Valley City State University profile
Essex County College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Essex County College is a public school based in Newark, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $5,415, while out-of-state students pay about $9,523. Essex County College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $12,472 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,230. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Essex County College report
Dickinson State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,266. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,720. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dickinson State University admits about 37% of applicants. Read more about Dickinson State University
Hood College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Hood College report
Hamline University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,530. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Hamline University report
Bemidji State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Students borrow a median of $23,389 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Gordon College placed #22 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Students borrow a median of $26,372 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Peru State College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Peru, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,433. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,071. Set against $26,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Peru State College
Mayville State University placed #24 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,464 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. Read the full report on Mayville State University
St Cloud Technical And Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124. St Cloud Technical And Community College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $16,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Set against $16,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Western Carolina University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #27 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,182. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Concordia University Seward came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Students borrow a median of $23,670 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. Set against $23,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Delta State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,991 ten years out. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Delta State University profile
Northern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,143. Median earnings reach $47,618 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Northern State University
Ashland University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ashland University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,082 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,082 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Metropolitan State University placed #34 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,984. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,984 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $12,525 in debt. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. Read more about Sinclair Community College
University Of Sioux Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,103. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Sioux Falls
University Of South Dakota placed #37 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Cumberland University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $21,902. Median earnings reach $57,687 ten years out. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cumberland University
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,026. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Winona State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,762. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $26,762 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Winona State University report
Broward College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,830, compared with $8,952 for out-of-state students. Broward College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $13,110 in debt. Broward College alumni report median earnings of $41,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Broward College
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global placed #43 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $32,807 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. Read the full report on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Wilmington University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $18,500. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Mcdaniel College placed #46 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Morningside College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Morningside College
St Petersburg College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. St Petersburg College is a public school based in St. Petersburg, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. St Petersburg College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,385 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,557. That is a strong return on a $24,385 median debt. Read the full report on St Petersburg College
Truman State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Truman State University profile
Carl Albert State College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Poteau, OK, Carl Albert State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $8,708. Students borrow a median of $10,583 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Carl Albert State College alumni report median earnings of $34,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,583 median debt. Read more about Carl Albert State College
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota State University
Central Michigan University placed #52 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Central Michigan University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 1272 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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