2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 institutions 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 And Development Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Concordia University Chicago tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teacher Education And Development doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $27,000 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 Capella University, which ranked #2 this year. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,189 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,149 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $24,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Adventist University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Adventist University
Montclair State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
National Louis University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,242. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about National Louis University
Sam Houston State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Sam Houston State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Judson University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Judson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elgin, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,297. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,685. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,313 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Judson University has an acceptance rate of 48%. Read the full report on Judson University
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #10 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Central Michigan University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of Georgia landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
San Diego State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #14 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Texas Womans University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Students borrow a median of $24,211 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Washington State University
Texas Christian University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Texas Christian University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Christian University profile
University Of Hartford placed #18 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. University Of Hartford Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Hartford alumni report median earnings of $60,823 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Hartford has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Hartford report
Texas Tech University placed #19 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
Iowa State University placed #21 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of North Texas landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Universidad Metropolitana ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,490 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Metropolitana report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. Graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,265. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
St Johns University New York ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Queens, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $53,529. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,571. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. St Johns University New York has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full St Johns University New York profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,102 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $23,102 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Temple University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Temple University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #31 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $21,182 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #32 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Stony Brook University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. More on Stony Brook University
Western Michigan University placed #35 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report
University Of Florida came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $15,275 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $15,275 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full University Of Florida profile
Hofstra University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hempstead, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,517. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,039 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Hofstra University
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants. More on Regent University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Iowa placed #41 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Auburn University placed #43 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,600 in debt. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. Set against $23,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Auburn University profile
Southern University And A And M College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $33,288. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,371. That is a strong return on a $33,288 median debt. Southern University And A And M College admits about 35% of applicants. Get the full Southern University And A And M College report
Ball State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,998 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Ball State University
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,403. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $25,403 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about New York University
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $17,654 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Georgia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. 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 $28,687 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. Set against $28,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia State University report
Florida State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. See the full Florida State University profile
University Of Kansas placed #50 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,174 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kansas
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Indiana University Bloomington alumni report median earnings of $63,742 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Related Teacher Education And Development Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 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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