2026 Best Value Teaching Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 164 schools to produce 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Santa Fe Community College, our #1 best-value Teaching school in the United States. Santa Fe Community College is a public school based in Santa Fe, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,851, compared with $4,131 for out-of-state students. Santa Fe Community College Teaching students take on a median of $15,267 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,005 ten years after entry. Set against $15,267 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Santa Fe Community College
You'll get strong value at Spokane Falls Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Spokane Falls Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Spokane Falls Community College Teaching students take on a median of $17,031 in debt. Spokane Falls Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,955 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,031 median debt. Read the full report on Spokane Falls Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Madison Area Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Graduates carry a median of $16,812 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. The median Teaching program debt is $14,997. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Set against $14,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College report
A rank of #5 makes Fox Valley Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Typical Teaching student debt is $13,319. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $13,319 median debt. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Northcentral Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $44,925 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. Read the full report on Northcentral Technical College
Stanly Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Stanly Community College is a public school based in Albemarle, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,672, while out-of-state students pay about $8,816. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,686. More on Stanly Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, 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. Set against $18,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $16,595 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,595 median debt. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Piedmont Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Southern Crescent Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Minot State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $25,788. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minot State University
Vance Granville Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Henderson, NC, Vance Granville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,944, compared with $6,552 for out-of-state students. Vance Granville Community College Teaching students take on a median of $14,833 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,304. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. Read the full report on Vance Granville Community College
Atlanta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $17,655. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Atlanta Technical College
Valley City State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Valley City State University Teaching students take on a median of $25,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,725 ten years out. Set against $25,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Valley City State University
College Of Lake County placed #15 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Grayslake, IL, College Of Lake County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. The median Teaching program debt is $9,785. Median earnings reach $43,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Lake County
Bemidji State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,819. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bemidji State University
Ivy Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Typical Teaching student debt is $11,889. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Haywood Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Clyde, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,580, with out-of-state students paying around $8,724. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,770. More on Haywood Community College
Pitt Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Winterville, NC, Pitt Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Students borrow a median of $19,741 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,259. Set against $19,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pitt Community College
Miami Dade College placed #21 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,967 in student loans. Miami Dade College alumni report median earnings of $40,654 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,967 median debt. Read more about Miami Dade College
Central New Mexico Community College placed #22 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Teaching students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Pima Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. The median Teaching program debt is $10,655. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. See the full Pima Community College profile
Middlesex Community College Bedford placed #24 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Bedford, MA, Middlesex Community College Bedford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,098, compared with $12,170 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,602 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,651. Set against $11,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Middlesex Community College Bedford 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 run about $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. 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. More on Sinclair Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
St Cloud Technical And Community College placed #26 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,734. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,900. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. That is a strong return on a $17,900 median debt. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
Gaston College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Gaston College is a public school based in Dallas, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,186, while out-of-state students pay about $9,330. The median Teaching program debt is $10,915. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,386 ten years after entry. Set against $10,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gaston College profile
Broward College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Broward College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,830, with out-of-state students paying around $8,952. The median Teaching program debt is $13,110. 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
Saint Johns River State College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Palatka, FL, Saint Johns River State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,591, with out-of-state students paying around $9,334. The median Teaching program debt is $16,293. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Saint Johns River State College
Essex County College placed #31 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Newark, NJ, Essex County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,415, while out-of-state students pay about $9,523. Graduates carry a median of $12,472 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,230 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,472 median debt. Get the full Essex County College report
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,320, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Guilford Technical Community College Teaching students take on a median of $20,501 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Guilford Technical Community College report
Springfield Technical Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Springfield Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,904, while out-of-state students pay about $11,112. Typical Teaching student debt is $9,707. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. Set against $9,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Springfield Technical Community College
American Public University System ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
Delaware Technical Community College Terry offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public school based in Dover, DE. Students from in state pay about $2,332 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Delaware Technical Community College Terry Teaching students take on a median of $11,154 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,448 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,154 median debt. See the full Delaware Technical Community College Terry profile
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. Gwinnett Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $18,048 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. Read the full report on Gwinnett Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Graduates carry a median of $11,693 in student loans. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins alumni report median earnings of $30,848 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins profile
Rasmussen College Florida ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,256. Rasmussen College Florida Teaching students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Rasmussen College Florida alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College Florida
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #39 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southwest Minnesota State University profile
Northern State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,143. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern State University report
Stark State College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $17,349. Stark State College alumni report median earnings of $34,661 a decade after entry. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Stark State College
Fayetteville Technical Community College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fayetteville, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,628 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,909. Fayetteville Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,861 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,909 median debt. Read more about Fayetteville Technical Community College
Rowan Cabarrus Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Salisbury, NC, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,064 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,672. The median Teaching program debt is $10,867. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,936. That is a strong return on a $10,867 median debt. Read the full report on Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Front Range Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,384. Median earnings reach $45,910 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Front Range Community College profile
Cuyahoga Community College District landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Cuyahoga Community College District Teaching students take on a median of $14,636 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
Rasmussen College Minnesota placed #46 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit school based in St. Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $12,199 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $28,723. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $28,723 median debt. Read the full report on Rasmussen College Minnesota
Rasmussen College North Dakota placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, Rasmussen College North Dakota is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,404. The median Teaching program debt is $28,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,798 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Seminole State College Of Florida Teaching students take on a median of $18,419 in debt. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. Set against $18,419 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
Rasmussen College Illinois came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,581. Typical Teaching student debt is $28,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Illinois profile
Quinsigamond Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Quinsigamond Community College is a public school based in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,262, compared with $11,206 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,456 in student loans. Quinsigamond Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,949 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Quinsigamond Community College
Related Teaching Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Teaching Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 · 164 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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