2026 Best Value Teaching Schools in Texas
Looking for the best-value Teaching degree programs in Texas? We have ranked 403 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search reviewed 47 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 Texas
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Texas A And M International University, our #1 best-value Teaching school in Texas. Texas A And M International University is a public school based in Laredo, TX. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,095 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,386 ten years out. Set against $15,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M International University profile
A rank of #2 makes Angelo State University one of the best values in Texas. This public school is set in San Angelo, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Angelo State University Teaching students take on a median of $21,237 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,116 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Angelo State University profile
You'll get strong value at Texas A And M University Kingsville, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Teaching students take on a median of $25,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #4 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in Texas. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. That is a strong return on a $14,694 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At El Paso, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Teaching students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Midwestern State University placed #6 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,415. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Midwestern State University
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,759 to complete their Teaching program here. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. Set against $24,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
Texas A And M University San Antonio placed #8 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $23,255. Students borrow a median of $22,771 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $54,338 ten years out. Set against $22,771 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University San Antonio admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University San Antonio
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Teaching program debt is $20,031. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Lamar University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Lamar University
Sam Houston State University placed #11 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Texas Womans University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical Teaching student debt is $24,211. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Womans University report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. The median Teaching program debt is $21,817. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,796 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University Commerce
Texas Tech University landed the #15 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Teaching students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Houston ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. University Of Houston Clear Lake Teaching students take on a median of $21,100 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $20,794. Students borrow a median of $25,508 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,865. Set against $25,508 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Teaching student debt is $21,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Houston Victoria placed #20 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. Set in Victoria, TX, University Of Houston Victoria is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,149, while out-of-state students pay about $16,941. The median Teaching program debt is $24,081. University Of Houston Victoria alumni report median earnings of $54,467 a decade after entry. Set against $24,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Victoria admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston Victoria report
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #21 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,312. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Prairie View A And M University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,824 in student loans. Prairie View A And M University alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. Set against $29,824 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Prairie View A And M University
Texas A And M University Texarkana ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Texarkana, TX, Texas A And M University Texarkana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,349, compared with $24,680 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $25,270. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Texarkana
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $21,632. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Degree Schools in Texas
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Lubbock Christian University landed the #26 spot for value in Texas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,540. Typical Teaching student debt is $28,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lubbock Christian University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Lubbock Christian University
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Southwestern Assemblies Of God University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waxahachie, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,064. The median Teaching program debt is $28,248. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,238. Set against $28,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southwestern Assemblies Of God University report
Trinity University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in San Antonio, TX, Trinity University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,314 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,668. Set against $23,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Trinity University admits about 26% of applicants. Read the full report on Trinity University
Houston Baptist University landed the #29 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,430. Students borrow a median of $25,601 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $55,933 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Houston Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Houston Baptist University
University Of St Thomas Texas placed #30 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. Set in Houston, TX, University Of St Thomas Texas is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,634 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,628 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of St Thomas Texas admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of St Thomas Texas report
Wayland Baptist University landed the #31 spot for value in Texas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,782. Typical Teaching student debt is $30,204. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,838 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayland Baptist University report
Texas Lutheran University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seguin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,230. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,863 ten years after entry. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Lutheran University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Texas Lutheran University
Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Antonio, TX, Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,106. Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio Teaching students take on a median of $26,759 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,675. That is a strong return on a $26,759 median debt. Read more about Our Lady Of The Lake University San Antonio
Hardin Simmons University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Abilene, TX, Hardin Simmons University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,960 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,674 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,771. That is a strong return on a $26,674 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Hardin Simmons University report
East Texas Baptist University landed the #35 spot for value in Texas this year. Located in Marshall, TX, East Texas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,680. The median Teaching program debt is $25,137. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,788. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on East Texas Baptist University
Texas Christian University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. More on Texas Christian University
University Of Mary Hardin Baylor offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Belton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,300. Typical Teaching student debt is $26,782. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,132. Set against $26,782 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary Hardin Baylor has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about University Of Mary Hardin Baylor
Dallas Baptist University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,190. Typical Teaching student debt is $22,819. Median earnings reach $56,807 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Dallas Baptist University
Austin College landed the #39 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Sherman, TX, Austin College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,121. Graduates carry a median of $24,264 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,296. Set against $24,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Austin College report
Abilene Christian University landed the #40 spot for value in Texas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Abilene, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $44,200. Typical Teaching student debt is $23,772. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,736 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Abilene Christian University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Abilene Christian University
Howard Payne University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brownwood, TX. Students from in state pay about $34,982 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $24,734. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,376 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,734 median debt. Howard Payne University admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Howard Payne University profile
Baylor University landed the #41 spot for value in Texas this year. Set in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. The median Teaching program debt is $23,928. Median earnings reach $65,793 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Baylor University
University Of The Incarnate Word offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in San Antonio, TX, University Of The Incarnate Word is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,090. Students borrow a median of $28,028 to complete their Teaching program here. University Of The Incarnate Word alumni report median earnings of $56,733 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,028 median debt. University Of The Incarnate Word admits about 98% of applicants. See the full University Of The Incarnate Word profile
Saint Edwards University landed the #44 spot for value in Texas this year. Based in Austin, TX, Saint Edwards University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,384. Students borrow a median of $25,059 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $58,826 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Edwards University profile
Letourneau University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,160. Letourneau University Teaching students take on a median of $32,086 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,086 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Letourneau University
Mcmurry University landed the #46 spot for value in Texas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Abilene, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $32,100. Mcmurry University Teaching students take on a median of $29,276 in debt. Mcmurry University alumni report median earnings of $48,779 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,276 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mcmurry University
Southern Methodist University placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in Texas. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Southern Methodist University Teaching students take on a median of $20,712 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,354. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read more about Southern Methodist University
Paul Mitchell The School Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. See the full Paul Mitchell The School Houston profile
South Texas Training Center ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Read more about South Texas Training Center
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute Corpus Christi landed the #50 spot for value in Texas this year. Read the full report on South Texas Vocational Technical Institute Corpus Christi
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 · 47 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 403 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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