2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in New York
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in New York? This list ranks 408 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 help you make your decision, Teaching Degree Search analyzed 58 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 New York
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Suny College At Cortland this year in New York. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,369. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,236. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Medgar Evers College earned it the #2 place in New York. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,352, with out-of-state students paying around $15,302. Cuny Medgar Evers College Teaching students take on a median of $12,531 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,498. Set against $12,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Medgar Evers College has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Cuny Medgar Evers College
A rank of #3 makes Suny At Geneseo one of the best values in New York. Suny At Geneseo is a public school based in Geneseo, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,999 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,569. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,976. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny At Geneseo
Cuny York College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in New York. Set in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Students borrow a median of $12,573 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Cuny York College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Brooklyn College earned it the #5 place in New York. Cuny Brooklyn College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Students borrow a median of $13,303 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Brooklyn College report
Cuny Hunter College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Hunter College is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. See the full Cuny Hunter College profile
Cuny City College placed #7 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Cuny City College is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $13,389. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Cuny City College profile
Suny At Fredonia landed the #8 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Fredonia, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,831, with out-of-state students paying around $19,771. Graduates carry a median of $25,806 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,247 ten years out. Set against $25,806 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Fredonia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Suny At Fredonia report
Cuny Queens College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Cuny Queens College is a public school based in Queens, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,763. Set against $12,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Queens College has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Cuny Queens College
Cuny Lehman College landed the #10 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $13,213. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,013. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Lehman College has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Cuny Lehman College
The College Of Saint Rose placed #11 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Based in Albany, NY, The College Of Saint Rose is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Teaching program debt is $25,722. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,040. That is a strong return on a $25,722 median debt. Read more about The College Of Saint Rose
Suny College At Oneonta placed #12 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. This public school is set in Oneonta, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Graduates carry a median of $22,046 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,386 ten years out. Set against $22,046 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny College At Oneonta profile
Suny College At Old Westbury ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Old Westbury, NY, Suny College At Old Westbury is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,372, while out-of-state students pay about $18,842. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,274. Suny College At Old Westbury alumni report median earnings of $58,526 a decade after entry. Set against $20,274 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Old Westbury admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Suny College At Old Westbury profile
Stony Brook University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,537. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stony Brook University profile
Suny College At Oswego placed #15 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. This public school is set in Oswego, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,825 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,735. Graduates carry a median of $25,163 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,566. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny College At Oswego report
State University Of New York At New Paltz offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in New Paltz, NY, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,822 for out-of-state students. State University Of New York At New Paltz Teaching students take on a median of $21,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,073 ten years out. Set against $21,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read more about State University Of New York At New Paltz
Suny College At Potsdam offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Potsdam, NY, Suny College At Potsdam is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,768, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $26,540. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,866. That is a strong return on a $26,540 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny College At Potsdam report
Suny Empire State College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saratoga Springs, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,693 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,693 median debt. More on Suny Empire State College
Suny College At Brockport placed #19 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Set in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Students borrow a median of $24,757 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $54,496 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Suny College At Brockport
Suny College At Plattsburgh landed the #20 spot for value in New York this year. Based in Plattsburgh, NY, Suny College At Plattsburgh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,035, compared with $18,945 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,217 to complete their Teaching program here. Suny College At Plattsburgh alumni report median earnings of $56,403 a decade after entry. Set against $24,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Plattsburgh has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Suny College At Plattsburgh
Cuny College Of Staten Island ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Cuny College Of Staten Island is a public school based in Staten Island, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,490, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,688 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,501 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny College Of Staten Island
Touro College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Touro College is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $20,052 in tuition and fees. Typical Teaching student debt is $20,285. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,419. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Touro College
The Sage Colleges ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. Students borrow a median of $26,702 to complete their Teaching program here. The Sage Colleges alumni report median earnings of $58,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,702 median debt. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The Sage Colleges report
Suny At Albany ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Suny At Albany Teaching students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,979. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Get the full Suny At Albany report
Suny At Binghamton ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. The median Teaching program debt is $20,691. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in New York
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Dominican College Of Blauvelt came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Dominican College Of Blauvelt is a private not-for-profit school based in Orangeburg, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $34,220. Dominican College Of Blauvelt Teaching students take on a median of $27,033 in debt. Dominican College Of Blauvelt alumni report median earnings of $61,171 a decade after entry. Set against $27,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Dominican College Of Blauvelt report
Manhattanville College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Manhattanville College is a private not-for-profit school based in Purchase, NY. Students from in state pay about $44,604 in tuition and fees. Manhattanville College Teaching students take on a median of $25,372 in debt. Manhattanville College alumni report median earnings of $58,832 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,372 median debt. Manhattanville College has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Manhattanville College
Le Moyne College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Le Moyne College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,330. Graduates carry a median of $25,739 in student loans. Le Moyne College alumni report median earnings of $62,731 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Le Moyne College has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Le Moyne College report
Canisius College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Buffalo, NY, Canisius College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,200. Canisius College Teaching students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Canisius College alumni report median earnings of $60,681 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Canisius College
Mount Saint Mary College landed the #30 spot for value in New York this year. Set in Newburgh, NY, Mount Saint Mary College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,450. Mount Saint Mary College Teaching students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,705 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mount Saint Mary College
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University At Buffalo
Suny College At Buffalo came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,533 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,334 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Suny College At Buffalo report
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Manhattan College placed #34 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,400. The median Teaching program debt is $25,968. Manhattan College alumni report median earnings of $86,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,968 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Manhattan College report
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,470. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,643. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $85,569. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. More on Fordham University
Wagner College placed #36 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. This private not-for-profit school is set in Staten Island, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,200. Students borrow a median of $26,997 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,360. Set against $26,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wagner College has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Wagner College profile
Alfred University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Alfred, NY, Alfred University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,138. Graduates carry a median of $25,706 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,897. That is a strong return on a $25,706 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Alfred University profile
Niagara University placed #37 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. This private not-for-profit school is set in Niagara University, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $39,345. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,208. Median earnings reach $56,196 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,208 median debt. Niagara University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Niagara University
Saint John Fisher College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $41,190. Students borrow a median of $25,086 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,944 ten years after entry. Set against $25,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. See the full Saint John Fisher College profile
Saint Bonaventure University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,735. Saint Bonaventure University Teaching students take on a median of $25,917 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,214. Set against $25,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Bonaventure University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Saint Bonaventure University
Ithaca College placed #41 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Located in Ithaca, NY, Ithaca College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,616 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,517 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,548. That is a strong return on a $24,517 median debt. Ithaca College admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Ithaca College
Saint Thomas Aquinas College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sparkill, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,450. Students borrow a median of $24,700 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Thomas Aquinas College admits about 93% of applicants. More on Saint Thomas Aquinas College
Long Island University C W Post Campus landed the #43 spot for value in New York this year. Located in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,432 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,211 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Long Island University C W Post Campus profile
Molloy College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rockville Centre, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,790. Molloy College Teaching students take on a median of $27,420 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,789 ten years after entry. Set against $27,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Molloy College
Roberts Wesleyan College placed #44 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Set in Rochester, NY, Roberts Wesleyan College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,826. The median Teaching program debt is $28,034. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,031. Set against $28,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Roberts Wesleyan College report
Nazareth College landed the #46 spot for value in New York this year. Located in Rochester, NY, Nazareth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,210. Students borrow a median of $26,185 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nazareth College admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Nazareth College profile
Saint Josephs College New York placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in New York. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Saint Josephs College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,550. The median Teaching program debt is $25,485. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,905 ten years after entry. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College New York has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Saint Josephs College New York
St Johns University New York ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. Students borrow a median of $25,521 to complete their Teaching program here. St Johns University New York alumni report median earnings of $69,571 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full St Johns University New York profile
Mercy College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dobbs Ferry, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $22,880. The median Teaching program debt is $28,304. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,055 ten years after entry. Set against $28,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mercy College profile
New York Institute Of Technology ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Old Westbury, NY, New York Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,560. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,435. Median earnings reach $70,080 ten years out. Set against $25,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on New York Institute Of Technology
More Teaching Value Rankings
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: State · 58 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 408 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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