2026 Best Value Teaching Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 184 schools to compile 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northeast Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teaching associate's degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Norfolk, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Teaching program debt is $11,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
You'll get strong value at Spokane Falls Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $17,031 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,955. Set against $17,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Falls Community College
A rank of #3 makes Camden County College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Camden County College Teaching students take on a median of $12,999 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,999 median debt. Get the full Camden County College report
Out of the 184 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Santa Fe Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Santa Fe, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,851, compared with $4,131 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,267 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,005. Set against $15,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Santa Fe Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical Teaching student debt is $13,287. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Itawamba Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Itawamba Community College Teaching students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,912 ten years after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Itawamba Community College
Alexandria Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $14,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,393 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
El Centro College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical Teaching student debt is $14,557. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,557 median debt. Read more about El Centro College
Northcentral Technical College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $11,709. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northcentral Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $14,997. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,553. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Madison Area Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. The median Teaching program debt is $16,812. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Georgia Military College Milledgeville offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,605. Georgia Military College Milledgeville Teaching students take on a median of $13,587 in debt. Georgia Military College Milledgeville alumni report median earnings of $39,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Military College Milledgeville profile
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. The median Teaching program debt is $13,319. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Milwaukee Area Technical College
Lone Star College System ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $10,425 median debt. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
South Texas College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in McAllen, TX, South Texas College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical Teaching student debt is $6,868. South Texas College alumni report median earnings of $36,788 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Texas College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Typical Teaching student debt is $14,234. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff placed #18 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,830, with out-of-state students paying around $6,060. Typical Teaching student debt is $11,350. Median earnings reach $32,442 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $16,595. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Amarillo College placed #20 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $15,720. Amarillo College alumni report median earnings of $41,302 a decade after entry. Set against $15,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Amarillo College
Stanly Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,672, with out-of-state students paying around $8,816. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,686 ten years after entry. Read more about Stanly Community College
Cuny Bronx Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Cuny Bronx Community College is a public school based in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,206, while out-of-state students pay about $8,086. Typical Teaching student debt is $8,224. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,307. That is a strong return on a $8,224 median debt. Read more about Cuny Bronx Community College
Essex County College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,415 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,523 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,472 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,230 ten years after entry. Set against $12,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Essex County College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Teaching students take on a median of $11,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins report
Sinclair Community College placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Teaching program here. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt. More on Sinclair Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Holmes Community College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Goodman, MS, Holmes Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,710, compared with $6,610 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,191 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,922 ten years after entry. Set against $13,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Holmes Community College
Mid State Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $7,171. Mid State Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $11,626 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. See the full Mid State Technical College profile
Atlanta Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,655 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Georgia Piedmont Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,619 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Read the full report on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Albany Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Albany, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,364, with out-of-state students paying around $5,932. Graduates carry a median of $16,321 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Albany Technical College report
Vance Granville Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Henderson, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,944, with out-of-state students paying around $6,552. The median Teaching program debt is $14,833. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,304. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Vance Granville Community College report
Middlesex Community College Bedford ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,098, while out-of-state students pay about $12,170. Graduates carry a median of $11,602 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,651. That is a strong return on a $11,602 median debt. See the full Middlesex Community College Bedford profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. The median Teaching program debt is $8,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Gloucester County College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,160, compared with $6,000 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,236 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gloucester County College
El Paso Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,274 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Students borrow a median of $8,542 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,212. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. Read the full report on El Paso Community College
Cuny Hostos Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bronx, NY, Cuny Hostos Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,254 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,134. Students borrow a median of $9,007 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,485 ten years after entry. Set against $9,007 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Hostos Community College profile
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a public school based in Perkinston, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Teaching students take on a median of $11,653 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,017 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Central Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public school based in Okmulgee, OK. Students from in state pay about $5,774 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,384. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee Teaching students take on a median of $13,356 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,634. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Tarrant County College District came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Tarrant County College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,863, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Students borrow a median of $15,148 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,727. Set against $15,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Tarrant County College District
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Typical Teaching student debt is $11,889. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,730 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Rasmussen College Florida ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,256 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College Florida Teaching students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Rasmussen College Florida report
Delaware County Community College placed #44 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. Graduates carry a median of $14,866 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. Set against $14,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Delaware County Community College
Community College Of Vermont offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Community College Of Vermont is a public school based in Montpelier, VT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,920, compared with $13,640 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $12,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,234. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Community College Of Vermont profile
Pitt Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Winterville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,871, with out-of-state students paying around $13,087. Pitt Community College Teaching students take on a median of $19,741 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,259 ten years out. Set against $19,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pitt Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,734. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Cloud Technical And Community College profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $20,867 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,007 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,867 median debt. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Teaching program debt is $18,048. Median earnings reach $45,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Broward College placed #50 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,830, while out-of-state students pay about $8,952. Broward College Teaching students take on a median of $13,110 in debt. Broward College alumni report median earnings of $41,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,110 median debt. See the full Broward College profile
Related Teaching Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Teaching Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Teaching Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Undergraduate Certificate 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 184 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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