2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in Georgia
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in Georgia? Our ranking highlights 141 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search analyzed 40 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 Degree Schools in Georgia
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Albany Technical College this year in Georgia. Set in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,364, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. Typical Teaching student debt is $16,321. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,321 median debt. Read more about Albany Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins came in at #2 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in Georgia. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,448 in tuition and fees, 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. A decade after starting, 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
Out of the 40 schools in Georgia in this year's value ranking, Atlanta Technical College landed the #3 spot. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. The median Teaching program debt is $17,655. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
You'll get strong value at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $15,716. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
Out of the 40 schools in Georgia in this year's value ranking, Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #5 spot. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Middle Georgia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Middle Georgia State University is a public school based in Macon, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,038, compared with $16,390 for out-of-state students. Middle Georgia State University Teaching students take on a median of $26,976 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,863. That is a strong return on a $26,976 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Middle Georgia State University report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rome, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Typical Teaching student debt is $8,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Georgia Gwinnett College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Georgia Gwinnett College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,532, with out-of-state students paying around $13,844. Students borrow a median of $21,280 to complete their Teaching program here. Georgia Gwinnett College alumni report median earnings of $47,730 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,280 median debt. Georgia Gwinnett College has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Georgia Gwinnett College
University Of North Georgia ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Dahlonega, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. The median Teaching program debt is $21,439. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full University Of North Georgia report
Gwinnett Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Teaching schools in Georgia. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $18,048. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
College Of Coastal Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Brunswick, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,616, with out-of-state students paying around $10,936. Graduates carry a median of $19,240 in student loans. College Of Coastal Georgia alumni report median earnings of $39,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full College Of Coastal Georgia profile
Gordon State College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Barnesville, GA, Gordon State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,628, with out-of-state students paying around $10,948. The median Teaching program debt is $21,545. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,871. That is a strong return on a $21,545 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gordon State College
Savannah Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in Georgia this year. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Teaching program debt is $12,843. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Savannah Technical College
Georgia Southwestern State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Americus, GA, Georgia Southwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,220, while out-of-state students pay about $16,572. The median Teaching program debt is $28,245. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,757 ten years after entry. Set against $28,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southwestern State University admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Georgia Southwestern State University profile
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Typical Teaching student debt is $11,400. Augusta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,523 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Clayton State University landed the #16 spot for value in Georgia this year. Clayton State University is a public school based in Morrow, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,532 for out-of-state students. Clayton State University Teaching students take on a median of $35,088 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,179 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,088 median debt. Clayton State University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Clayton State University
West Georgia Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in Georgia this year. West Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Waco, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on West Georgia Technical College
Georgia Military College Milledgeville offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public school based in Milledgeville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,605. Georgia Military College Milledgeville Teaching students take on a median of $13,587 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,257 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Augusta University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,472. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Augusta University
University Of West Georgia ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. The median Teaching program debt is $26,789. Median earnings reach $49,587 ten years out. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. More on University Of West Georgia
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Valdosta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Teaching program here. Valdosta State University alumni report median earnings of $49,361 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Valdosta State University
Georgia College And State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,186, while out-of-state students pay about $29,512. Georgia College And State University Teaching students take on a median of $24,412 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,140 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,412 median debt. Georgia College And State University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Georgia College And State University
Georgia Southern University landed the #24 spot for value in Georgia this year. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Georgia Southern University Teaching students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Georgia Southern University
Fort Valley State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Fort Valley, GA, Fort Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,878. Typical Teaching student debt is $35,963. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,666. That is a strong return on a $35,963 median debt. Fort Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Fort Valley State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in Georgia
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Albany State University placed #26 among the best-value Teaching schools in Georgia. Based in Albany, GA, Albany State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,656, while out-of-state students pay about $17,008. Albany State University Teaching students take on a median of $28,158 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,674. Set against $28,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Albany State University
Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. The median Teaching program debt is $28,493. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,493 median debt. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Columbus State University
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $29,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Georgia State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $26,091. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Georgia State University
Berry College landed the #31 spot for value in Georgia this year. Berry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Berry, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,486. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,797. Berry College alumni report median earnings of $53,800 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Berry College
Truett Mcconnell College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,792. The median Teaching program debt is $24,936. Median earnings reach $46,700 ten years out. Set against $24,936 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Truett Mcconnell College report
Thomas University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Thomasville, GA, Thomas University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,640. Graduates carry a median of $28,454 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,716. Set against $28,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thomas University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Thomas University report
Mercer University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Mercer University is a private not-for-profit school based in Macon, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. Students borrow a median of $32,463 to complete their Teaching program here. Mercer University alumni report median earnings of $58,354 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mercer University report
Brenau University landed the #35 spot for value in Georgia this year. Brenau University is a private not-for-profit school based in Gainesville, GA. Students from in state pay about $33,757 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $36,299. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Brenau University
Covenant College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lookout Mountain, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $42,040. The median Teaching program debt is $23,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,412. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Covenant College profile
Reinhardt University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Waleska, GA, Reinhardt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,074 in tuition and fees. Reinhardt University Teaching students take on a median of $27,860 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,541 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,860 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read the full report on Reinhardt University
Shorter University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Rome, GA, Shorter University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $24,630. Students borrow a median of $31,037 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,604 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,037 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Shorter University
Lagrange College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lagrange, GA, Lagrange College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,400. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teaching program here. Lagrange College alumni report median earnings of $51,745 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lagrange College has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read the full report on Lagrange College
Clark Atlanta University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,310. Clark Atlanta University Teaching students take on a median of $27,803 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,712 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. More on Clark Atlanta University
Elaine Sterling Institute came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Elaine Sterling Institute
Emmanuel College Georgia came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Emmanuel College Georgia report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Georgia ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. More on Chamberlain College Of Nursing Georgia
East Georgia State College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. More on East Georgia State College
Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. More on Coastal Pines Technical College
Atlanta School Of Massage landed the #46 spot for value in Georgia this year. Read more about Atlanta School Of Massage
Pro Way Hair School ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read the full report on Pro Way Hair School
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Get the full Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College report
Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read more about Atlanta Institute Of Music And Media
American Intercontinental University Atlanta ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. See the full American Intercontinental University Atlanta profile
More Teaching Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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: State · 40 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 141 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).