2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#1

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND

For return on investment, no school beat Valley City State University this year in the United States. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,725 ten years out. Set against $24,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Valley City State University report

#2

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,082 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato

#3

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI

You'll get strong value at Viterbo University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Viterbo University report

#4

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

You'll get strong value at Worcester State University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Worcester State University profile

#5

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hamline University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,530. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Hamline University profile

#6

Concordia University Seward

Seward, NE

Concordia University Seward ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $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. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward

#7

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul placed #7 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report

#8

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University placed #8 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,076. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Set against $29,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Ferris State University

#9

Gordon College

Wenham, MA

Gordon College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,700 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,372. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gordon College

#10

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago

#11

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University placed #11 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report

#12

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $25,145 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $25,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Western Governors University report

#13

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University

#14

Messiah College

Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah College placed #14 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,064. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Messiah College

#15

Baldwin Wallace College

Berea, OH

Baldwin Wallace College placed #15 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College

#16

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $30,795 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile

#17

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College placed #17 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. Graduates carry a median of $34,425 in student loans. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade after entry. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alverno College has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Alverno College profile

#18

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

#19

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global placed #19 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global

#20

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public school based in Magnolia, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $42,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

#21

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University placed #21 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $24,149 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $24,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Illinois State University report

#22

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Northeastern State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Northeastern State University

#23

University Of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile

#23

Piedmont College

Demorest, GA

Piedmont College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Piedmont College

#25

Granite State College

Manchester, NH

Granite State College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. Students from in state pay about $7,724 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,522. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Granite State College

#26

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,639. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University

#27

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University

#28

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,134 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus

#29

The College Of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN

The College Of Saint Scholastica came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,755. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,934. That is a strong return on a $26,755 median debt. The College Of Saint Scholastica has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica

#30

Converse College

Spartanburg, SC

Converse College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,240. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,715. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,867. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Converse College

#31

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report

#32

Marywood University

Scranton, PA

Marywood University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Marywood University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Marywood University report

#33

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report

#34

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Walden University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University

#35

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University placed #35 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Louisiana Tech University

#36

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN

St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,282 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full St Catherine University report

#37

Mount St Marys University

Emmitsburg, MD

Mount St Marys University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit school based in Emmitsburg, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,630. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mount St Marys University

#38

Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University placed #38 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Lawrenceville, NJ, Rider University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,120. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,208. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rider University

#39

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA

Eastern Mennonite University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $43,920 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,869. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Mennonite University

#39

Midamerica Nazarene University

Olathe, KS

Midamerica Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Olathe, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,174. Students borrow a median of $25,740 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Midamerica Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $62,972 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midamerica Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Midamerica Nazarene University

#41

Augusta University

Augusta, GA

Augusta University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. Students borrow a median of $25,969 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augusta University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Augusta University report

#42

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN

Lipscomb University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Nashville, TN, Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Lipscomb University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lipscomb University

#43

Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA

Valdosta State University placed #43 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valdosta State University

#43

National Louis University

Chicago, IL

National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full National Louis University profile

#45

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $32,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lindenwood University report

#46

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $35,998. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile

#47

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#48

Mcneese State University

Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Mcneese State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,433 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,453 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,433 median debt. Mcneese State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Mcneese State University profile

#49

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Towson University

#50

American International College

Springfield, MA

American International College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. American International College is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $44,230. Students borrow a median of $30,390 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,124. That is a strong return on a $30,390 median debt. American International College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about American International College