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Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region

234 Schools Ranked
$39,607 Average Earnings
$22,575 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Teaching Degree Search has developed this Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 234 schools in the Southeast Region to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for teaching students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, North Carolina
$40,419 Average Earnings
$11,203 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Stanly Community College to be the best school for teaching students in the Southeast Region .

On average, students take out $11,203 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Stanly Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,419 during the early years of their career.

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$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 234 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Rasmussen University - Florida landed the # 2 spot on the list.

Degree recipients from Rasmussen University - Florida accumulate an average of $30,604 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $127, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rasmussen University - Florida, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,940 during the early years of their career.

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#3

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
$66,962 Average Earnings
$14,392 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Vanderbilt University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

Degree recipients from Vanderbilt accumulate an average of $14,392 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $644 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Vanderbilt graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $66,962 during the early year of their career.

Full Vanderbilt University Report

#4

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
$55,309 Average Earnings
$17,222 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Wake Forest University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best teaching schools in the Southeast Region .

On average, students take out $17,222 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $644, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Wake Forest University graduates make an average of $55,309 annually.

Full Wake Forest University Report

#5

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
$58,809 Average Earnings
$18,266 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Virginia - Main Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

On average, students take out $18,266 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $383. During the early years of their career, University of Virginia graduates make an average of $58,809 annually.

Full University of Virginia - Main Campus Report

#6

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
$46,768 Average Earnings
$21,110 Avg Student Debt

University of Georgia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students. It came in at #6 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,110 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $222, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UGA graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,768 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Georgia

#7

Berry College

Mount Berry, Georgia
$36,435 Average Earnings
$22,098 Avg Student Debt

Berry College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best teaching programs.

Degree recipients from Berry accumulate an average of $22,098 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $662. Once they receive their degree, Berry graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,435 during the early year of their career.

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#8

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
$53,810 Average Earnings
$27,317 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Augusta University did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,317 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. Once they receive their degree, Augusta University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $53,810 during the early year of their career.

Full Augusta University Report

#9

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
$36,051 Average Earnings
$14,635 Avg Student Debt

Central Piedmont Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best teaching programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,635 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Central Piedmont Community College graduates make an average of $36,051 annually.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#10

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
$51,332 Average Earnings
$18,875 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, University of Florida did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

On average, students take out $18,875 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $207, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,332 during the early years of their career.

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#11

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
$52,444 Average Earnings
$21,405 Avg Student Debt

Virginia Tech did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students. It came in at #11 on the list.

On average, students take out $21,405 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $420. Once they receive their degree, Virginia Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,444 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Virginia Tech

#12

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
$56,435 Average Earnings
$22,883 Avg Student Debt

George Mason University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,883 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $355, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from GMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,435 during the early years of their career.

Full George Mason University Report

#13

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
$51,655 Average Earnings
$24,351 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Mennonite University landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best teaching programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,351 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Mennonite graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,655 during the early year of their career.

Full Eastern Mennonite University Report

#14

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia
$39,583 Average Earnings
$22,234 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, University of North Georgia did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

On average, students take out $22,234 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $156. Once they receive their degree, UNG graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,583 during the early year of their career.

Full University of North Georgia Report

#15

William & Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia
$47,762 Average Earnings
$18,131 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, William & Mary did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

On average, students take out $18,131 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $447 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, William & Mary graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,762 during the early year of their career.

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#16

Piedmont College

Demorest, Georgia
$44,778 Average Earnings
$28,589 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Piedmont College did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

On average, students take out $28,589 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Piedmont College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,778 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Piedmont College

#17

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina
$35,760 Average Earnings
$21,113 Avg Student Debt

Appalachian State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students. It came in at #17 on the list.

On average, students take out $21,113 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $224 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Appalachian State graduates make an average of $35,760 annually.

Read full report on Appalachian State University

#18

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
$49,447 Average Earnings
$22,775 Avg Student Debt

University of Louisville landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best teaching programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,775 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $239 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UofL graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,447 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Louisville

#19

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
$49,709 Average Earnings
$20,889 Avg Student Debt

North Carolina State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students. It came in at #19 on the list.

Degree recipients from NC State accumulate an average of $20,889 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $285 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, NC State graduates make an average of $49,709 annually.

Read full report on North Carolina State University

#20

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
$51,808 Average Earnings
$16,358 Avg Student Debt

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranked #20 on this year’s Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,358 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $300, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UNC Chapel Hill graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,808 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#21

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, Arkansas
$49,716 Average Earnings
$26,466 Avg Student Debt

John Brown University ranked #21 on this year’s Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

Degree recipients from JBU accumulate an average of $26,466 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from JBU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,716 during the early years of their career.

Full John Brown University Report

#22

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
$44,403 Average Earnings
$24,531 Avg Student Debt

East Carolina University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best teaching programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,531 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $277 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ECU graduates make an average of $44,403 annually.

Full East Carolina University Report

#23

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
$46,195 Average Earnings
$20,564 Avg Student Debt

James Madison University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

Degree recipients from JMU accumulate an average of $20,564 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $394 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from JMU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,195 during the early years of their career.

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#24

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
$47,889 Average Earnings
$22,627 Avg Student Debt

Clemson University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for teaching students. It came in at #24 on the list.

On average, students take out $22,627 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $375 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Clemson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,889 during the early year of their career.

Full Clemson University Report

#25

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
$44,595 Average Earnings
$22,607 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, University of Central Florida did quite well on this year’s best schools for teaching students working.

On average, students take out $22,607 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $211.After graduating from UCF, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,595 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Central Florida

Rest of the Top 15% Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the top 36 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#27

Itawamba Community College

Fulton, Mississippi
#28

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
#29

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia
#30

University of Richmond

University of Richmond, Virginia
#31

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
#32

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#33

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia
#34

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
#35

Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama
#36

Campbell University

Buies Creek, North Carolina

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
37 Marymount University Arlington, VA
38 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
39 Bellarmine University Louisville, KY
40 Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FL
41 Florida International University Miami, FL
42 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
43 Clayton State University Morrow, GA
44 Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA
45 Belmont University Nashville, TN
46 Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
47 Louisiana State University - Shreveport Shreveport, LA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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