2026 Best Value Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Cabrini College

Radnor, PA

Leading the list is Cabrini College, our #1 best-value Teaching school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Radnor, PA. Graduates carry a median of $26,889 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,038. That is a strong return on a $26,889 median debt. Read the full report on Cabrini College

#2

University Of The Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #2 this year. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Teaching students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Set against $22,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of The Cumberlands profile

#3

Concordia University Irvine

Irvine, CA

You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report

#4

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. 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. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

#5

William Woods University

Fulton, MO

Out of the 438 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, William Woods University landed the #5 spot. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,401. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full William Woods University profile

#6

Concordia University Chicago

River Forest, IL

Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Teaching students take on a median of $26,956 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Chicago

#7

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System

Aliso Viejo, CA

Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile

#8

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $26,054. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilmington University

#9

Mckendree University

Lebanon, IL

Mckendree University placed #9 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Lebanon, IL, Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,740 in tuition and fees. Mckendree University Teaching students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Mckendree University profile

#10

Doane College Crete

Crete, NE

Doane College Crete came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Teaching program here. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Doane College Crete

#11

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,536. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Ashland University

#12

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul placed #12 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile

#12

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO

Southwest Baptist University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,436. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,112. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Southwest Baptist University

#14

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,562. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Ferris State University

#15

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile

#16

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Winona State University report

#17

Piedmont College

Demorest, GA

Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Piedmont College

#18

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical Teaching student debt is $22,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Drake University report

#19

Delta State University

Cleveland, MS

Delta State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,432. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,991 ten years after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Delta State University

#20

Evangel University

Springfield, MO

Evangel University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $28,548. The median Teaching program debt is $24,876. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Evangel University

#20

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University

#22

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University placed #22 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $49,361 median debt. More on Walden University

#23

The Sage Colleges

Troy, NY

The Sage Colleges ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. Graduates carry a median of $26,702 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $26,702 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. See the full The Sage Colleges profile

#24

University Of St Francis

Joliet, IL

University Of St Francis ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. University Of St Francis Teaching students take on a median of $25,695 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $25,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on University Of St Francis

#25

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Teaching program debt is $25,209. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University

#26

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN

Hamline University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Hamline University

#27

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Teaching program debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report

#28

National Louis University

Chicago, IL

National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete their Teaching program here. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about National Louis University

#29

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong

#30

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Teaching student debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Illinois State University

#31

Columbus State University

Columbus, GA

Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. The median Teaching program debt is $28,493. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbus State University

#32

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#33

Northwest Nazarene University

Nampa, ID

Northwest Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Northwest Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. The median Teaching program debt is $27,562. Northwest Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $51,719 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants. More on Northwest Nazarene University

#34

Gwynedd Mercy College

Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gwynedd Mercy College placed #34 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Gwynedd Valley, PA, Gwynedd Mercy College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,838. Typical Teaching student debt is $29,764. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,145 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gwynedd Mercy College

#35

City University Of Seattle

Seattle, WA

City University Of Seattle came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. The median Teaching program debt is $18,000. Median earnings reach $69,460 ten years out. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full City University Of Seattle profile

#36

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile

#37

Cardinal Stritch University

Cardinal Stritch University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Typical Teaching student debt is $46,650. Read more about Cardinal Stritch University

#38

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,330 in tuition and fees. Holy Family University Teaching students take on a median of $26,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,235. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Holy Family University

#39

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. The median Teaching program debt is $25,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota

#40

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota

Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #40 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,080. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile

#41

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN

Southern Adventist University placed #41 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. The median Teaching program debt is $25,498. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Southern Adventist University

#42

Carson Newman College

Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jefferson City, TN. Students from in state pay about $34,700 in tuition and fees. Carson Newman College Teaching students take on a median of $22,843 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Carson Newman College profile

#43

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,984. Graduates carry a median of $25,308 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,308 median debt. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Biola University

#44

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Gonzaga University Teaching students take on a median of $25,188 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Gonzaga University

#45

Centenary College

Hackettstown, NJ

Centenary College placed #45 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Hackettstown, NJ, Centenary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,732 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $25,081. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,726. Set against $25,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Centenary College admits about 83% of applicants. See the full Centenary College profile

#45

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Teaching students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University

#47

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Xavier University Teaching students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Xavier University

#48

Aurora University

Aurora, IL

Aurora University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. Aurora University Teaching students take on a median of $24,507 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Aurora University

#49

Freed Hardeman University

Henderson, TN

Freed Hardeman University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Henderson, TN, Freed Hardeman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,620. Graduates carry a median of $24,479 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Freed Hardeman University has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Freed Hardeman University

#50

Concordia University Texas

Austin, TX

Concordia University Texas came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, Concordia University Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,778. Concordia University Texas Teaching students take on a median of $28,613 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,883 ten years after entry. Set against $28,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Concordia University Texas