2026 Best Value Teaching Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teaching undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 7944 institutions 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 arm you with the information you need, Teaching Degree Search evaluated 79 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Spokane Falls Community College, our #1 best-value Teaching school in the United States. Spokane Falls Community College is a public school based in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $17,031 to complete their Teaching program here. Spokane Falls Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,955 a decade after entry. Set against $17,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Falls Community College
A rank of #2 makes Universidad Del Este one of the best values in the United States. Located in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Students borrow a median of $15,167 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $24,328 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Universidad Del Este
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Teaching ranking in the United States. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $14,997 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northcentral Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Northcentral Technical College is a public school based in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Students borrow a median of $11,709 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northcentral Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fox Valley Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,319 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #6 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,054 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Alexandria Technical And Community College
Pima Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $10,655. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Pima Community College report
Lone Star College System ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Lone Star College System Teaching students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
Atlanta Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. Graduates carry a median of $17,655 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,350 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. Read the full report on Atlanta Technical College
Albany Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Albany Technical College is a public school based in Albany, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,364, compared with $5,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,321 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,541. Set against $16,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Albany Technical College report
Stanly Community College placed #11 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Located in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,672 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,816 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,686. Read more about Stanly Community College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete their Teaching program here. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Georgia Piedmont Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. The median Teaching program debt is $15,716. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Teaching students take on a median of $11,693 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Teaching students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Gwinnett Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Teaching student debt is $18,048. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Pitt Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Winterville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. The median Teaching program debt is $19,741. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,259 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pitt Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Southern Crescent Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Crescent Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Ivy Tech Community College Teaching students take on a median of $11,889 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Cuny Bronx Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. Students from in state pay about $5,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,086 for out-of-state students. Cuny Bronx Community College Teaching students take on a median of $8,224 in debt. Cuny Bronx Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,307 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,224 median debt. Get the full Cuny Bronx Community College report
Savannah Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Savannah Technical College report
Vance Granville Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Henderson, NC, Vance Granville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,944, compared with $6,552 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,304. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Vance Granville Community College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Teaching students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Augusta Technical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $11,400. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Augusta Technical College
Rasmussen College North Dakota landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,404. Typical Teaching student debt is $28,798. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College North Dakota profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teaching Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Rasmussen College Florida landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,256 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,798 to complete their Teaching program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. That is a strong return on a $28,798 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College Florida profile
Rasmussen College Illinois landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rockford, IL, Rasmussen College Illinois is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,581. Typical Teaching student debt is $28,798. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Rasmussen College Illinois
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,320, while out-of-state students pay about $7,696. Students borrow a median of $20,501 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Guilford Technical Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg Teaching students take on a median of $20,867 in debt. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete their Teaching program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuyahoga Community College District
Rasmussen College Minnesota landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in St. Cloud, MN, Rasmussen College Minnesota is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,199. Students borrow a median of $28,723 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,723 median debt. Read more about Rasmussen College Minnesota
Delaware County Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $15,540. Students borrow a median of $14,866 to complete their Teaching program here. Delaware County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,391 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delaware County Community College
Rowan Cabarrus Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Set in Salisbury, NC, Rowan Cabarrus Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,064, while out-of-state students pay about $6,672. Typical Teaching student debt is $10,867. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,936 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,867 median debt. More on Rowan Cabarrus Community College
Front Range Community College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. The median Teaching program debt is $17,384. Median earnings reach $45,910 ten years out. Set against $17,384 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Front Range Community College
Rasmussen College Wisconsin ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in Green Bay, WI, Rasmussen College Wisconsin is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,345. Rasmussen College Wisconsin Teaching students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Rasmussen College Wisconsin profile
West Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Teaching program here. West Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
University Of North Dakota landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
Lehigh Carbon Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,270. Graduates carry a median of $14,450 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,436. That is a strong return on a $14,450 median debt. Read more about Lehigh Carbon Community College
Rasmussen College Kansas came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Topeka, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,316. Students borrow a median of $28,798 to complete their Teaching program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,080. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College Kansas
Wilkes Community College placed #40 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Wilkesboro, NC, Wilkes Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $34,728 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilkes Community College profile
Bucks County Community College placed #41 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newtown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $13,926. Students borrow a median of $13,068 to complete their Teaching program here. Median earnings reach $47,324 ten years out. Set against $13,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bucks County Community College report
Wake Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Typical Teaching student debt is $17,900. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,769 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,900 median debt. More on Wake Technical Community College
Capital Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Located in New Britain, CT, Capital Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,596 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $12,059. Median earnings reach $41,344 ten years out. Set against $12,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Capital Community College
Alliant International University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Alliant International University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,254. Graduates carry a median of $21,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,666 ten years after entry. Set against $21,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alliant International University report
Red Rocks Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,859, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. The median Teaching program debt is $14,471. Median earnings reach $46,288 ten years out. Set against $14,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Red Rocks Community College
University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #46 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Set in Fairbanks, AK, University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,083, while out-of-state students pay about $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete their Teaching program here. University Of Alaska Fairbanks alumni report median earnings of $48,866 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,439 median debt. Get the full University Of Alaska Fairbanks report
Northern Arizona University placed #47 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Northern Arizona University
West Virginia University At Parkersburg placed #48 among the best-value Teaching schools in the United States. Based in Parkersburg, WV, West Virginia University At Parkersburg is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,476, with out-of-state students paying around $9,424. Students borrow a median of $15,595 to complete their Teaching program here. West Virginia University At Parkersburg alumni report median earnings of $35,171 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,595 median debt. More on West Virginia University At Parkersburg
Pueblo Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teaching schools. Based in Pueblo, CO, Pueblo Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,049, with out-of-state students paying around $17,649. Pueblo Community College Teaching students take on a median of $14,106 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,106 median debt. See the full Pueblo Community College profile
Seattle Pacific University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. The median Teaching program debt is $25,188. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,506 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. More on Seattle Pacific University
Related Teaching Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Teaching Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Teaching Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teaching Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 79 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
TeachingDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TeachingDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.