2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in Missouri
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in Missouri? This list ranks 140 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 27 schools to build 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 Missouri
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies, our #1 best-value Teaching school in Missouri. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies report
A rank of #2 makes Northwest Missouri State University one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
A rank of #3 makes William Woods University one of the best values in Missouri. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full William Woods University profile
A rank of #4 makes Missouri State University Springfield one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
A rank of #5 makes University Of Missouri Columbia one of the best values in Missouri. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Teaching students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. The median Teaching program debt is $23,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Southwest Baptist University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. The median Teaching program debt is $24,436. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southwest Baptist University report
Missouri Western State University placed #8 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Saint Joseph, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,545, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,362 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,647 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
Truman State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $23,168. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Truman State University
Missouri Southern State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Joplin, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Missouri Southern State University Teaching students take on a median of $22,241 in debt. Missouri Southern State University alumni report median earnings of $42,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on Missouri Southern State University
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. University Of Central Missouri Teaching students take on a median of $24,304 in debt. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants. More on University Of Central Missouri
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $22,112. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. See the full Park University profile
Lindenwood University landed the #13 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Typical Teaching student debt is $28,663. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Avila University placed #14 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. Located in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,200. Avila University Teaching students take on a median of $29,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,773. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Avila University
University Of Missouri Kansas City ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. University Of Missouri Kansas City Teaching students take on a median of $23,741 in debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $59,637 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Kansas City
University Of Missouri St Louis ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,943. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,037 ten years after entry. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
Lincoln University Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Jefferson City, MO, Lincoln University Missouri is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,796, while out-of-state students pay about $17,692. Graduates carry a median of $32,831 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,463 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,831 median debt. See the full Lincoln University Missouri profile
Evangel University placed #18 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. Evangel University Teaching students take on a median of $24,876 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,573 ten years after entry. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Evangel University profile
Webster University landed the #19 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. The median Teaching program debt is $25,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Webster University
Missouri Baptist University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,122. The median Teaching program debt is $27,337. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,660. Set against $27,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri Baptist University report
Maryville University Of Saint Louis ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Drury University landed the #22 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $36,745 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete their Teaching program here. Drury University alumni report median earnings of $40,694 a decade after entry. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drury University admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Drury University report
Fontbonne University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,976. Graduates carry a median of $33,503 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,825 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,503 median debt. More on Fontbonne University
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
Rockhurst University placed #25 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,966. Rockhurst University Teaching students take on a median of $24,111 in debt. Rockhurst University alumni report median earnings of $67,102 a decade after entry. Set against $24,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rockhurst University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Rockhurst University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in Missouri
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences placed #26 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,620. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,633. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $24,633 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences report
Culver Stockton College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Canton, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,875. Students borrow a median of $27,252 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Culver Stockton College profile
Bryan University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Get the full Bryan University Springfield report
St Charles Community College landed the #29 spot for value in Missouri this year. Get the full St Charles Community College report
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Get the full Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center report
South Central Career Center placed #31 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. See the full South Central Career Center profile
Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. More on Paul Mitchell The School Missouri Columbia
Urshan Graduate School Of Theology ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read more about Urshan Graduate School Of Theology
Central Christian College Of The Bible offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. More on Central Christian College Of The Bible
Concorde Career College Broadway placed #35 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. More on Concorde Career College Broadway
Skin Institute
Skin Institute placed #36 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. Get the full Skin Institute report
Westminster College Missouri placed #37 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. See the full Westminster College Missouri profile
Arizona College Of Nursing St Louis landed the #38 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read the full report on Arizona College Of Nursing St Louis
Evangel University James River Assembly Of God Church landed the #39 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read more about Evangel University James River Assembly Of God Church
House Of Heavilin Beauty College Kansas City ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. More on House Of Heavilin Beauty College Kansas City
Ranken Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. See the full Ranken Technical College profile
Clinton Technical School ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read the full report on Clinton Technical School
North Central Missouri College landed the #43 spot for value in Missouri this year. See the full North Central Missouri College profile
Ozark Christian College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Ozark Christian College
Academy Of Salon Professionals ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. See the full Academy Of Salon Professionals profile
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Nazarene Theological Seminary landed the #47 spot for value in Missouri this year. See the full Nazarene Theological Seminary profile
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. See the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology profile
House Of Heavilin Beauty College Blue Springs placed #49 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. See the full House Of Heavilin Beauty College Blue Springs profile
University Of Missouri System Office placed #50 among the best-value Teaching schools in Missouri. Read more about University Of Missouri System Office
More Teaching Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 27 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 140 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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