2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 schools 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 reviewed schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of The Cumberlands earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Vandercook College Of Music landed the #3 spot. Based in Chicago, IL, Vandercook College Of Music is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,910. Vandercook College Of Music Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,863 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Vandercook College Of Music profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,117 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $9,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Morningside College landed the #5 spot. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Morningside College report
Worcester State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Worcester State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,451 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Charleston Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Charleston, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,520. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,323. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Set against $27,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Charleston Southern University report
Valley City State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $24,394. 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%. Read the full report on Valley City State University
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Ashland University report
Western Governors University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,145. Ten years after enrolling, 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
University Of Sioux Falls landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,103. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Gordon College placed #12 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set 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. Gordon College alumni report median earnings of $52,119 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Concordia College At Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,170. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,317. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia College At Moorhead
Fitchburg State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Fitchburg State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Hood College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,703. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Hood College
Ferris State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Ferris State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,076 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $29,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #17 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $26,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #18 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,221 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,221 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Concordia University Seward came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,670. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,670 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Providence College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Students from in state pay about $63,550 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,833 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,054 ten years after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%. Get the full Providence College report
Cumberland University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lebanon, TN. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. Cumberland University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $21,902 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,687. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cumberland University
Hamline University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Drake University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $22,273. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Drake University
Spring Arbor University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Graduates carry a median of $28,360 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. Set against $28,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Spring Arbor University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Bemidji State University placed #27 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Bemidji State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,389 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Northern State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,143 in student loans. Northern State University alumni report median earnings of $47,618 a decade after entry. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern State University
Mount Marty College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit school based in Yankton, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $34,600. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Mount Marty College alumni report median earnings of $48,179 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Fresno Pacific University placed #30 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Fresno Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $58,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Wilmington University placed #31 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilmington University profile
Concordia University Chicago came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,247. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,485. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Muskingum University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,701. Muskingum University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,440. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Muskingum University
Piedmont College placed #37 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Piedmont College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Piedmont College
Truman State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Truman State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,168 in debt. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Truman State University
Holy Family University placed #39 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $35,330 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,562. Median earnings reach $62,235 ten years out. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Holy Family University profile
Youngstown State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,751 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
The College Of New Jersey landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. The College Of New Jersey Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
Mount Mercy University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,878 in tuition and fees. Mount Mercy University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,709 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,709 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Mount Mercy University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,033. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Delta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read more about Delta State University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,746. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $26,746 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,832. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Westfield State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Westfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Westfield State University
Hastings College placed #48 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Hastings, NE, Hastings College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,770. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hastings College admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Hastings College profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #49 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Students borrow a median of $27,081 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,086 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $34,425 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,145. Set against $34,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Alverno College profile
Illinois State University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,149 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,149 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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).
TeachingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TeachingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.