2026 Best Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Leading the list is Claremont Graduate University, our #1 Teaching school in the United States. Set in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Claremont Graduate University report

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #2 on this year's Teaching ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,616. Get the full Northwestern University report

#3

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

A rank of #3 makes Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System one of the top choices in the United States. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. The median Teaching program debt is $27,471. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

#4

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

You'll be in good company at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Teaching program debt is $16,155. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #5 on this year's Teaching ranking in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,481. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#6

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University placed #6 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Teaching program here. Read the full report on Harvard University

#7

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. About 44% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. University Of West Georgia Teaching students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. More on University Of West Georgia

#8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #8 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Teaching students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#9

University Of California Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. The median Teaching program debt is $18,559. More on University Of California Santa Cruz

#10

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile

#11

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

Concordia University Irvine did well this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. The median Teaching program debt is $26,085. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine

#12

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Read the full report on Stanford University

#13

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College placed #13 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Centenary College graduates 55% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,732. Graduates carry a median of $25,081 in student loans. More on Centenary College

#14

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University did well this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,867 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. Read more about Loyola Marymount University

#15

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #15 among Teaching schools in the United States. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. The median Teaching program debt is $21,897. Read the full report on New York University

#16

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University did well this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. The median Teaching program debt is $26,001. See the full Old Dominion University profile

#17

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. The median Teaching program debt is $25,695. Get the full University Of St Francis report

#18

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#19

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $24,551. Read the full report on Winona State University

#20

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus placed #20 among Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,151. Read more about University Of Washington Tacoma Campus

#21

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Read more about Lehigh University

#22

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Teaching program here. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park

#23

Gwynedd Mercy College

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy College placed #23 among Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. Gwynedd Mercy College posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,838. Students borrow a median of $29,764 to complete their Teaching program here. Get the full Gwynedd Mercy College report

#24

The Sage Colleges

Troy, NY

The Sage Colleges placed #24 among Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $38,164 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,702. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges

#25

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #25 among Teaching schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Teaching program here. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#26

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, GA. University Of Georgia graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. The median Teaching program debt is $21,792. Read more about University Of Georgia

#27

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University placed #27 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Washington State University Teaching students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Read the full report on Washington State University

#28

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Teaching program debt is $21,241. Read the full report on Towson University

#29

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #29 among Teaching schools in the United States. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Teaching program debt is $13,975. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University

#30

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $14,238. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#31

St Johns University New York

Queens, NY

St Johns University New York did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. St Johns University New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. Students from in state pay about $53,529 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,521. Read the full report on St Johns University New York

#32

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Azusa, CA. Azusa Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. The median Teaching program debt is $23,709. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile

#33

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Based in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Wilkes University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wilkes University posts a six-year graduation rate of 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,496. Wilkes University Teaching students take on a median of $26,601 in debt. Get the full Wilkes University report

#34

University Of Colorado Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver placed #34 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. The median Teaching program debt is $26,582. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile

#35

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Kennesaw State University graduates 52% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University

#36

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Teaching program here. Read more about University Of Southern California

#37

Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

Columbus State University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Read the full report on Columbus State University

#38

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. Creighton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,856. Creighton University Teaching students take on a median of $25,831 in debt. More on Creighton University

#39

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile

#40

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Drake University Teaching students take on a median of $22,273 in debt. Read the full report on Drake University

#41

Northeastern University Global Network

Boston, MA

Northeastern University Global Network landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,055. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report

#42

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University placed #42 among Teaching schools in the United States. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. About 62% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,188. Read more about Seattle Pacific University

#43

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Teaching program here. See the full University Of California Davis profile

#44

University Of North Georgia

Dahlonega, GA

University Of North Georgia came in at #44 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Dahlonega, GA. University Of North Georgia graduates 50% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Students borrow a median of $21,439 to complete their Teaching program here. Read more about University Of North Georgia

#45

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Texas Christian University Teaching students take on a median of $22,960 in debt. More on Texas Christian University

#46

California State University San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,149 to complete their Teaching program here. More on California State University San Bernardino

#47

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA

California Lutheran University came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Based in Thousand Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $52,560 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $22,727. Get the full California Lutheran University report

#48

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ

New Jersey City University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Jersey City, NJ, New Jersey City University is a public institution. New Jersey City University posts a six-year graduation rate of 34%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,460. Graduates carry a median of $22,107 in student loans. More on New Jersey City University

#49

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. The median Teaching program debt is $25,188. More on Gonzaga University

#50

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago placed #50 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Concordia University Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 36%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. Graduates carry a median of $26,956 in student loans. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report