2026 Best Value Teaching Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 958 schools to build 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 Teaching Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teaching degree schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Students borrow a median of $25,462 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about La Salle University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cabrini College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,038. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cabrini College
You'll get strong value at Santa Fe Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Santa Fe, NM, Santa Fe Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,851, with out-of-state students paying around $4,131. Students borrow a median of $15,267 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,005 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Santa Fe Community College profile
A rank of #4 makes Northeast Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Students borrow a median of $11,937 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,634 ten years after entry. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Community College
You'll get strong value at Jamestown College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Jamestown, ND, Jamestown College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,990. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,621 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Jamestown College
Spokane Falls Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,031. Median earnings reach $38,955 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Spokane Falls Community College profile
Itawamba Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $10,942. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Brigham Young University Provo placed #10 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Teaching students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Fox Valley Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $13,319 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,868 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of The Cumberlands
Northcentral Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,889 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Set against $11,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,083. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
Stanly Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,672, compared with $8,816 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,686 ten years after entry. More on Stanly Community College
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,615 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. The median Teaching program debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Northwestern College Iowa placed #18 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Northwestern College Iowa Teaching students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
Pima Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Typical Teaching student debt is $10,655. Median earnings reach $39,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pima Community College
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Teaching students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Essex County College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,415, while out-of-state students pay about $9,523. Graduates carry a median of $12,472 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,230 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Essex County College
Chadron State College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,294. Chadron State College Teaching students take on a median of $22,912 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,912 median debt. Read the full report on Chadron State College
Minot State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. The median Teaching program debt is $25,788. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minot State University report
Wayne State College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. The median Teaching program debt is $22,974. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wayne State College profile
Morningside College placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $27,281. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Morningside College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Central Piedmont Community College placed #26 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. The median Teaching program debt is $11,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. Read the full report on Central Piedmont Community College
Sinclair Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $12,525. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Set against $12,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
Dickinson State University placed #28 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Dickinson, ND, Dickinson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,118. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 37% of those who apply are admitted. More on Dickinson State University
Valley City State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Graduates carry a median of $25,074 in student loans. Valley City State University alumni report median earnings of $52,725 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Valley City State University profile
Hood College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. The median Teaching program debt is $24,703. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Hood College
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Perkinston, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Graduates carry a median of $11,653 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,017. Set against $11,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Universidad Del Este landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $15,167 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,328. That is a strong return on a $15,167 median debt. Read more about Universidad Del Este
Fitchburg State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Teaching students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Middlesex Community College Bedford landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bedford, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,098, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $11,602. Median earnings reach $50,651 ten years out. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Middlesex Community College Bedford
Worcester State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. The median Teaching program debt is $24,451. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Worcester State University
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit school based in Crete, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. The median Teaching program debt is $28,802. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Doane College Crete
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Teaching students take on a median of $27,016 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,247. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mcdaniel College
Mayville State University placed #39 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Mayville State University Teaching students take on a median of $27,464 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mayville State University profile
William Woods University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on William Woods University
Broward College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,830, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. The median Teaching program debt is $13,110. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,939. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. Read more about Broward College
Bemidji State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,819 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Ivy Tech Community College placed #43 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Ivy Tech Community College Teaching students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Teaching students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Concordia University Seward came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,726. Median earnings reach $52,415 ten years out. Set against $26,726 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Seward has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Teaching program here. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Haywood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Clyde, NC, Haywood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,580, while out-of-state students pay about $8,724. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,770. Get the full Haywood Community College report
Viterbo University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. The median Teaching program debt is $29,107. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Viterbo University
University Of Sioux Falls placed #49 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $26,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,521 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Central New Mexico Community College placed #50 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. The median Teaching program debt is $10,112. Median earnings reach $36,869 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College
Best Value Teaching Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Teaching Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools
Best Value Teaching Schools by State
Find the best values in a specific state:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 958 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).
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