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Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region

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2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

234 Schools Ranked
$16,520 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,575 Avg Student Debt*

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for teaching students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

The Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking is one of many tools that Teaching Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 234 schools in the Southeast Region to see which ones offered the best value programs for teaching students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Itawamba Community College

Fulton, Mississippi
80 Total Awards
$5,360 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Itawamba Community College the best value school in the Southeast Region for teaching students working on their degree. Located in Fulton, Mississippi, the small public school handed out 80 degrees in 2020-2021.

ICC undergraduate students pay an average of $5,360 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,702 in student loans. During the early years of their career, ICC graduates make an average of $33,370 annually.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, ICC also did well on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. It’s in the top 15% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Full Itawamba Community College Report

#2

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky
1,458 Total Awards
$9,875 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,361 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of the Cumberlands. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and it awarded 1,458 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Cumberlands are $9,875 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,361 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $86.After graduating from Cumberlands, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,758 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#3

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, North Carolina
165 Total Awards
$9,245 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 234 schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanly Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Albemarle, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 165 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Stanly Technical College are $9,245 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $11,203 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Stanly Technical College graduates make an average of $40,419 annually.

Stanly Technical College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

Read full report on Stanly Community College

#4

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
195 Total Awards
$8,936 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Central Piedmont Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Central Piedmont Community College is a fairly large public school located in Charlotte, North Carolina that handed out 195 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Central Piedmont Community College are $8,936 per year. On average, students take out $14,635 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Central Piedmont Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,051 during the early years of their career.

Central Piedmont Community College also claimed a spot on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. It’s in the top 5% of all schools in this category.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#5

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, Mississippi
121 Total Awards
$7,250 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,702 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Perkinston, Mississippi is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 121 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are $7,250 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $13,702 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,307 during the early years of their career.

Full Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Report

#6

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
125 Total Awards
$8,952 Average Tuition & Fees

Broward College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. BC is a public institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 125 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at BC are $8,952 a year. On average, students take out $15,086 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, BC graduates make an average of $42,319 annually.

BC also claimed a spot on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Broward College

#7

Haywood Community College

Clyde, North Carolina
101 Total Awards
$8,724 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,587 Avg Student Debt

Haywood Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Clyde, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 101 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Haywood Community College are $8,724 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,587 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Haywood Community College graduates make an average of $28,357 annually.

Full Haywood Community College Report

#8

St Petersburg College

Clearwater, Florida
227 Total Awards
$9,286 Average Tuition & Fees

St Petersburg College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Located in Clearwater, Florida, the large public school handed out 227 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at SPC are $9,286 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,619 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, SPC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,600 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on St Petersburg College

#9

Piedmont College

Demorest, Georgia
771 Total Awards
$28,340 Average Tuition & Fees

Piedmont College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Demorest, Georgia, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 771 degrees in 2020-2021.

Piedmont College undergraduate students pay an average of $28,340 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $28,589 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Piedmont College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,778 during the early years of their career.

Piedmont College also claimed a spot on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Piedmont College

#9

Miami Dade College

Miami, Florida
175 Total Awards
$9,661 Average Tuition & Fees

Miami Dade College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. MDC is located in Miami, Florida and has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 175 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at MDC are $9,661 a year. On average, students take out $16,593 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, MDC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,255 during the early year of their career.

Full Miami Dade College Report

865 Total Awards
$13,635 Average Tuition & Fees

Rasmussen University - Florida ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Rasmussen University - Florida is located in Ocala, Florida and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 865 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Rasmussen University - Florida are $13,635 a year. On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $127 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Florida graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,940 during the early year of their career.

Rasmussen University - Florida also took the #2 spot in our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region rankings.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Florida

#12

Delta State University

Cleveland, Mississippi
372 Total Awards
$8,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,494 Avg Student Debt

Delta State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Delta State University is a small public school situated in Cleveland, Mississippi. It awarded 372 degrees in 2020-2021.

Delta State University undergraduate students pay an average of $8,360 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,494 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $96, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Delta State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,414 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Delta State University

#13

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
214 Total Awards
$8,688 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,293 Avg Student Debt

Fayetteville Technical Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 214 degrees in 2020-2021.

FTCC undergraduate students pay an average of $8,688 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,293 in student loans.After graduating from FTCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $32,325 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Fayetteville Technical Community College

#14

Salem College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
33 Total Awards
$31,016 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,038 Avg Student Debt

Salem College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Salem College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 33 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Salem are $31,016 a year. On average, students take out $22,038 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Salem, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,126 during the early years of their career.

Full Salem College Report

#15

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
351 Total Awards
$8,367 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,228 Avg Student Debt

Western Carolina University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 351 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at WCU are $8,367 per year. On average, students take out $23,228 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WCU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,924 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Western Carolina University

#16

Berry College

Mount Berry, Georgia
77 Total Awards
$38,656 Average Tuition & Fees

Berry College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Mount Berry, Georgia, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 77 degrees in 2020-2021.

Berry undergraduate students pay an average of $38,656 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $22,098 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $662. During the early years of their career, Berry graduates make an average of $36,435 annually.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Berry also is in the top 5% of our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking.

Full Berry College Report

#17

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida
58 Total Awards
$10,201 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,075 Avg Student Debt

Indian River State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #17 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and it awarded 58 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Indian River State College are $10,201 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $13,075 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Indian River State College graduates make an average of $35,566 annually.

Read full report on Indian River State College

#18

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas
230 Total Awards
$9,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,312 Avg Student Debt

Henderson State University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Henderson State University is a small public school located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas that handed out 230 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Henderson State University are $9,768 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,312 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Henderson State University graduates make an average of $36,312 annually.

Read full report on Henderson State University

#19

Louisiana College

Pineville, Louisiana
63 Total Awards
$17,950 Average Tuition & Fees
$36,024 Avg Student Debt

Louisiana College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Louisiana College is located in Pineville, Louisiana and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 63 degrees to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Louisiana College are $17,950 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,024 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Louisiana College graduates make an average of $48,061 annually.

Read More…

#20

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, Louisiana
264 Total Awards
$9,039 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,405 Avg Student Debt

Nicholls State University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Nicholls State University is a medium-sized public school located in Thibodaux, Louisiana that handed out 264 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Nicholls State University are $9,039 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $25,405 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $166, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Nicholls State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,297 during the early years of their career.

Full Nicholls State University Report

#21

Georgetown College

Georgetown, Kentucky
180 Total Awards
$41,200 Average Tuition & Fees

Georgetown College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value teaching programs. Georgetown College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Georgetown, Kentucky that handed out 180 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Georgetown College are $41,200 a year. On average, students take out $26,780 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Georgetown College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,112 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#22

Carson - Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee
254 Total Awards
$31,320 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,992 Avg Student Debt

Carson - Newman University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and it awarded 254 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Carson - Newman are $31,320 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,992 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Carson - Newman graduates make an average of $41,134 annually.

Read More…

#23

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, Virginia
40 Total Awards
$39,990 Average Tuition & Fees

Eastern Mennonite University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #23 on the list. Eastern Mennonite is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It awarded 40 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Eastern Mennonite are $39,990 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $24,351 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Eastern Mennonite, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,655 during the early years of their career.

Eastern Mennonite excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all schools on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list.

Read More…

#24

West Liberty University

West Liberty, West Virginia
77 Total Awards
$16,294 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,930 Avg Student Debt

West Liberty University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. Located in West Liberty, West Virginia, the small public school handed out 77 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at West Liberty University are $16,294 per year. On average, students take out $25,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $113, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, West Liberty University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,672 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on West Liberty University

#25

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia
241 Total Awards
$16,014 Average Tuition & Fees

University of North Georgia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for teaching students. It came in at #25 on the list. Dahlonega, Georgia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 241 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UNG are $16,014 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,234 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $156 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNG graduates make an average of $39,583 annually.

On top of its placing in our value ranking, UNG also did well on our Best Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.

Read More…

Rest of the Best Value Teaching Schools in the Southeast Region of the U.S.

Not only did these schools make the list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Cumberland University

Lebanon, Tennessee
#28

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, Tennessee
#29

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, Tennessee
#30

Gardner - Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
#31

University of West Alabama

Livingston, Alabama
#32

Union University

Jackson, Tennessee
#33

Harding University

Searcy, Arkansas
#34

Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, Kentucky
#35

Clayton State University

Morrow, Georgia
#36

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida
#36

Trevecca Nazarene University

Nashville, Tennessee

View Best Value Teaching Schools Nationwide >

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our best teaching schools ranking:

Rank School Location
38 John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR
39 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
39 Mississippi College Clinton, MS
41 Spalding University Louisville, KY
42 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
43 St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, FL
44 Converse College Spartanburg, SC
45 Athens State University Athens, AL
46 University of Central Arkansas Conway, AR
47 Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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