2026 Best Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Teaching graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 4630 schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is Claremont Graduate University, our #1 Teaching school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile
A rank of #2 makes Lebanon Valley College one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Annville, PA, Lebanon Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $52,080. Students borrow a median of $26,767 to complete their Teaching program here. More on Lebanon Valley College
Out of the 4630 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #3 spot. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. The median Teaching program debt is $27,471. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
A rank of #4 makes Harvard University one of the top choices in the United States. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Teaching program here. Read the full report on Harvard University
Northwestern University came in at #5 on this year's Teaching ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read the full report on Northwestern University
The College Of New Jersey did well this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,429. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Washington State University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Teaching students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Get the full Washington State University report
Wisconsin Lutheran College did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Teaching students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $18,627. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Seattle Pacific University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle Pacific University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,407. Seattle Pacific University Teaching students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report
Johns Hopkins University placed #11 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. The median Teaching program debt is $13,426. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Valley City State University placed #12 among Teaching schools in the United States. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Valley City State University Teaching students take on a median of $25,074 in debt. Get the full Valley City State University report
The College Of Saint Rose came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Set in Albany, NY, The College Of Saint Rose is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Teaching program debt is $25,722. More on The College Of Saint Rose
University Of Chicago placed #14 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Teaching program here. Read more about University Of Chicago
Hood College came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Teaching program here. Read the full report on Hood College
Towson University placed #16 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Towson University graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Teaching students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Read the full report on Towson University
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Teaching program here. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Loyola Marymount University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,867. The median Teaching program debt is $22,248. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report
Western Washington University did well this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. Western Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $20,361. Read the full report on Western Washington University
Augusta University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Augusta University graduates 49% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. The median Teaching program debt is $25,745. Read more about Augusta University
Northwestern College Iowa placed #21 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern College Iowa graduates 66% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. The median Teaching program debt is $25,415. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
Saint Marys College Of California ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Moraga, CA, Saint Marys College Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Marys College Of California posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,803. The median Teaching program debt is $25,041. Read more about Saint Marys College Of California
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Teaching program debt is $20,836. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Bethel University Minnesota came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Teaching students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota
Ball State University landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Ball State University Teaching students take on a median of $24,518 in debt. See the full Ball State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of California Berkeley came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Teaching program debt is $14,238. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of St Francis placed #27 among Teaching schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. The median Teaching program debt is $25,695. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Based in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,797. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
University Of Florida placed #29 among Teaching schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,669. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #30 in this year's ranking. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Typical Teaching student debt is $21,331. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Duke University did well this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Get the full Duke University report
Saint Martins University placed #33 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Students from in state pay about $45,510 in tuition and fees. Saint Martins University Teaching students take on a median of $22,818 in debt. See the full Saint Martins University profile
Minot State University landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Minot State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 45%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. See the full Minot State University profile
George Washington University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Teaching program here. More on George Washington University
University Of California Irvine ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,539. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Winona State University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Teaching program here. More on Winona State University
Messiah College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Teaching schools. Messiah College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mechanicsburg, PA. Messiah College posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,240. Students borrow a median of $26,195 to complete their Teaching program here. Read the full report on Messiah College
Tufts University placed #39 among Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tufts University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. Tufts University Teaching students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Read more about Tufts University
University Of Georgia did well this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $21,792. Read more about University Of Georgia
Mayville State University did well this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. About 40% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Mayville State University Teaching students take on a median of $27,464 in debt. Get the full Mayville State University report
Indiana University Bloomington did well this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,542. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #43 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,031. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of North Georgia landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Graduates carry a median of $21,439 in student loans. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #45 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Rowan University came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Rowan University graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University Teaching students take on a median of $24,488 in debt. Read more about Rowan University
New York University placed #47 among Teaching schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. New York University Teaching students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Get the full New York University report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Based 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. Purdue University Main Campus Teaching students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California State University Sacramento placed #49 among Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. California State University Sacramento posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $17,492. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
Illinois State University did well this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Illinois State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Teaching students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. Read more about Illinois State University
Related Teaching Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Teaching Schools (All Levels)
- Best Teaching Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Teaching Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Teaching Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Teaching Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation · 4630 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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).