2026 Best Value Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 509 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teaching graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about La Salle University
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northwestern College Iowa landed the #2 spot. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Teaching program here. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
Out of the 509 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Valley City State University landed the #3 spot. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Graduates carry a median of $25,074 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,725. Set against $25,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Valley City State University
A rank of #4 makes Mayville State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Mayville State University Teaching students take on a median of $27,464 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mayville State University
You'll get strong value at Hood College, which ranked #5 this year. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,703 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Hood College
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Teaching students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Wisconsin Lutheran College
Western Governors University placed #8 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,277. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Northwest Missouri State University placed #9 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $24,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Minot State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,788. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minot State University profile
Viterbo University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Viterbo University Teaching students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,660 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Viterbo University profile
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,081. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Wayne State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. 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
Concordia University Seward came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Doane College Crete ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. Doane College Crete Teaching students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Doane College Crete
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Concordia University Chicago placed #20 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,956. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Bethel University Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Bethel University Minnesota Teaching students take on a median of $25,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,764. That is a strong return on a $25,639 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Bethel University Minnesota
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Hamline University report
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Fitchburg State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
Goucher College placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Goucher College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Gordon College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,700. Gordon College Teaching students take on a median of $26,372 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,119 ten years after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gordon College
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Teaching students take on a median of $23,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Ferris State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. The median Teaching program debt is $19,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,277 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus profile
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Teaching program here. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Southwest Baptist University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,566. Students borrow a median of $24,436 to complete their Teaching program here. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Illinois State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Illinois State University Teaching students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
Arizona State University Skysong placed #33 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Northwest Nazarene University placed #34 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Students borrow a median of $27,562 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full Northwest Nazarene University report
The College Of New Jersey ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,429. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Marshall, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Southwest Minnesota State University alumni report median earnings of $51,342 a decade after entry. Set against $27,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University Teaching students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. 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%. Read the full report on Winona State University
City University Of Seattle landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,929. City University Of Seattle Teaching students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,460 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on City University Of Seattle
Messiah College placed #39 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Messiah College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mechanicsburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. The median Teaching program debt is $26,195. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,064. Set against $26,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Messiah College
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Baldwin Wallace College Teaching students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,012. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on York College Pennsylvania
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,110. Graduates carry a median of $25,695 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full University Of St Francis profile
Mckendree University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mckendree University has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Mckendree University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. Students borrow a median of $27,172 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Carson Newman College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Jefferson City, TN, Carson Newman College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,700. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Carson Newman College alumni report median earnings of $48,382 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Carson Newman College report
University Of Maryland University College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,276 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Maryland University College
Whitworth University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,051 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Whitworth University
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Marian University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,204. Marian University Wisconsin Teaching students take on a median of $27,242 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Marian University Wisconsin profile
Youngstown State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Related Teaching Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s 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 · 509 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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