2026 Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 7944 schools 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 reviewed 803 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on La Salle University
Cabrini College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in the United States. Based in Radnor, PA, Cabrini College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $26,889 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,038 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cabrini College
A rank of #3 makes Northwestern College Iowa one of the best values in the United States. Set in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,802. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #4 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $22,868. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of The Cumberlands report
A rank of #5 makes Concordia University Irvine one of the best values in the United States. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Universidad Del Este placed #6 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,167 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,328 ten years after entry. Set against $15,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Del Este
Stevenson University placed #7 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Stevenson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Owings Mills, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,560. Typical Teaching student debt is $27,042. Stevenson University alumni report median earnings of $62,079 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stevenson University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Stevenson University
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Worcester State University profile
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. The median Teaching program debt is $12,184. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Morningside College placed #10 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. Students from in state pay about $39,519 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $27,281. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Morningside College profile
Western Governors University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Western Governors University Teaching students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Read more about Western Governors University
University Of Sioux Falls came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. University Of Sioux Falls Teaching students take on a median of $26,103 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Valley City State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,074. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. That is a strong return on a $25,074 median debt. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Valley City State University
Fitchburg State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,840. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Teaching program here. Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni report median earnings of $54,664 a decade after entry. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Ashland University profile
Charleston Southern University placed #17 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. The median Teaching program debt is $27,569. Median earnings reach $45,898 ten years out. Set against $27,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Charleston Southern University report
Doane College Crete landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Crete, NE. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $28,802. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Hood College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. The median Teaching program debt is $24,703. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Hood College
Gordon College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Students borrow a median of $26,372 to complete their Teaching program here. Gordon College alumni report median earnings of $52,119 a decade after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Gordon College
Viterbo University placed #21 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Teaching student debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. Viterbo University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Viterbo University
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,726. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,726 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Concordia University Seward
Southwest Baptist University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Southwest Baptist University Teaching students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Set against $24,436 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Southwest Baptist University
Wayne State College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Wayne State College Teaching students take on a median of $22,974 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wayne State College profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Scranton offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $53,777 in tuition and fees. University Of Scranton Teaching students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,652. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. University Of Scranton admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full University Of Scranton report
Providence College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,833. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%. More on Providence College
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Typical Teaching student debt is $29,317. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. Set against $29,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Buena Vista University profile
Mcdaniel College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcdaniel College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Ferris State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Teaching students take on a median of $23,562 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ferris State University
Drake University placed #31 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. 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. More on Drake University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #32 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
William Woods University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $25,512. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,401 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,512 median debt. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on William Woods University
Goucher College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Teaching program here. Goucher College alumni report median earnings of $53,023 a decade after entry. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Goucher College
Heritage University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. The median Teaching program debt is $19,148. Heritage University alumni report median earnings of $49,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. Read the full report on Heritage University
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Teaching students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Midwestern State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,415 in student loans. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Dordt College placed #38 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,050. Dordt College Teaching students take on a median of $21,812 in debt. Dordt College alumni report median earnings of $52,559 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Dordt College
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. 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. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minot State University
Point Loma Nazarene University placed #40 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. The median Teaching program debt is $22,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Point Loma Nazarene University profile
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,956. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Concordia University Chicago
Southwest Minnesota State University placed #42 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Graduates carry a median of $27,016 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,342 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Berry College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Berry College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Berry, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,486. The median Teaching program debt is $24,797. Median earnings reach $53,800 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. Berry College has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Berry College
Wilmington University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
Wilson College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Wilson College
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located 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. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hamline University
Bemidji State University placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,819 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Bethel College Mishawaka offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Mishawaka, IN, Bethel College Mishawaka is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. The median Teaching program debt is $31,824. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,860. That is a strong return on a $31,824 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Bethel College Mishawaka
Whitworth University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,880. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,051. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Typical Teaching student debt is $29,026. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 803 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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