2026 Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 791 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Teaching school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Typical Teaching student debt is $13,287. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Teaching program debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
A rank of #3 makes Bellevue University one of the best values in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue University
A rank of #4 makes Western Governors University one of the best values in the United States. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Western Governors University Teaching students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Western Governors University
A rank of #5 makes Chadron State College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,294. Students borrow a median of $22,912 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,002 ten years after entry. Set against $22,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Chadron State College
Wayne State College placed #6 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Students borrow a median of $22,974 to complete their Teaching program here. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wayne State College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Teaching students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Minot State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minot State University
Southwest Minnesota State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,016. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full Southwest Minnesota State University report
Broward College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,830, compared with $8,952 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Broward College profile
Dickinson State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Dickinson State University is a public school based in Dickinson, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $9,118. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,266. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,720 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,266 median debt. About 37% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dickinson State University profile
Bemidji State University placed #12 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about Bemidji State University
Western Carolina University placed #13 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,174 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Valley City State University placed #14 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. The median Teaching program debt is $25,074. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $25,074 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Valley City State University report
Mayville State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $27,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mayville State University report
St Petersburg College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,682, compared with $9,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,385. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full St Petersburg College report
Delta State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. The median Teaching program debt is $23,432. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Delta State University
Dakota State University placed #18 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,654 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Dakota State University Teaching students take on a median of $28,724 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,970 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,724 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Dakota State University
Metropolitan State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Students borrow a median of $30,822 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Northern State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,143. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. Set against $26,143 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern State University
Miami Dade College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Miami Dade College is a public school based in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $2,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. The median Teaching program debt is $11,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,654. Set against $11,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Miami Dade College
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #22 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Typical Teaching student debt is $35,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Phoenix Arizona report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Teaching students take on a median of $27,089 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Peru State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Peru, NE, Peru State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,433. Students borrow a median of $26,254 to complete their Teaching program here. Peru State College alumni report median earnings of $47,071 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,254 median debt. Read more about Peru State College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $23,730 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portales, NM. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Students borrow a median of $19,277 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
University Of South Dakota placed #27 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median Teaching program debt is $26,322. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Winona State University placed #28 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Nicholls State University placed #29 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Thibodaux, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. Students borrow a median of $24,513 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,454. That is a strong return on a $24,513 median debt. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Nicholls State University
Indian River State College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Indian River State College report
Wilmington University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilmington University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. South Dakota State University Teaching students take on a median of $24,989 in debt. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Granite State College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Granite State College Teaching students take on a median of $27,522 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Granite State College
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Teaching program debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
National University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
Walden University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. The median Teaching program debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,821 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $25,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
Middle Georgia State University placed #40 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Macon, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,038, with out-of-state students paying around $16,390. The median Teaching program debt is $26,976. Median earnings reach $40,863 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,976 median debt. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Middle Georgia State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Teaching program debt is $24,245. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo placed #42 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo Teaching students take on a median of $9,117 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,539. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo report
Black Hills State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Spearfish, SD, Black Hills State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,674. That is a strong return on a $26,820 median debt. Black Hills State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Black Hills State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Emporia State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $47,601 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Emporia State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Emporia State University report
Georgia Gwinnett College came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Georgia Gwinnett College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,844 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $21,280. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Gwinnett College
University Of North Georgia placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,439 to complete their Teaching program here. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full University Of North Georgia report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,867 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
Henderson State University placed #49 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. Henderson State University Teaching students take on a median of $23,234 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,459. That is a strong return on a $23,234 median debt. Read more about Henderson State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. The median Teaching program debt is $24,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Related Teaching Value Rankings
Explore 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 Associate’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. The methodology weighs 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 · 791 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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