2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to produce 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 Teacher Education And Development Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of The Cumberlands landed the #2 spot. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Williamsburg, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,875. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,868. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,036. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
A rank of #3 makes Valley City State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,544. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,394. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,725 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valley City State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Valley City State University profile
You'll get strong value at Vandercook College Of Music, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,910. Vandercook College Of Music Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,863. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Vandercook College Of Music profile
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #5 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $9,117 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. More on Morningside College
Viterbo University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,250. Viterbo University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,107 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Viterbo University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Viterbo University profile
Charleston Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,520. Students borrow a median of $27,323 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,082 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,082 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $52,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Ashland University report
Western Governors University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,145 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $25,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Worcester State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
University Of Sioux Falls placed #13 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,750. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on University Of Sioux Falls
Gordon College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Gordon College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,372 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,119. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Gordon College
Concordia College At Moorhead ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,170. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Concordia College At Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $59,317 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia College At Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Concordia College At Moorhead
Fitchburg State University placed #16 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Fitchburg State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $25,840 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Hood College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Hood College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Hood College profile
Ferris State University placed #18 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,076. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $29,076 median debt. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Ferris State University report
Hamline University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. Hamline University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Hamline University profile
Southwest Minnesota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,361 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,342 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,221 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,221 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Concordia University Seward offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,670. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Seward admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Seward
Providence College placed #23 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Providence College is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $63,550. Providence College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,833 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $26,833 median debt. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. More on Providence College
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #24 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Cumberland University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Lebanon, TN, Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,902. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,687. Set against $21,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cumberland University profile
Drake University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,273. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Drake University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,360 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $28,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Messiah College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,064. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Messiah College
Bemidji State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,389 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $23,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Northern State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Aberdeen, SD, Northern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,845, compared with $11,947 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,143. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,618 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Northern State University report
Mount Marty College placed #31 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit school based in Yankton, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Mount Marty College alumni report median earnings of $48,179 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. Get the full Mount Marty College report
Fresno Pacific University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Fresno, CA, Fresno Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,660. Fresno Pacific University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Fresno Pacific University alumni report median earnings of $58,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Fresno Pacific University report
Concordia University Chicago placed #33 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Students from in state pay about $37,488 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Wilmington University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,054. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. Read more about Wilmington University
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $34,425. Median earnings reach $53,145 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Alverno College admits about 86% of applicants. More on Alverno College
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set 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 Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,960 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,386. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report
Mcdaniel College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,485. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Muskingum University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,701 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,932. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,440. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Muskingum University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Muskingum University
Truman State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Truman State University
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. More on Piedmont College
Holy Family University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,330. Holy Family University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,562 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,562 median debt. Holy Family University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Holy Family University report
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,323 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Youngstown State University placed #46 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,751 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Mount Mercy University placed #48 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,878. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,709. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Mercy University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Mount Mercy University
Southern Adventist University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,300. Students borrow a median of $25,498 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $53,723 ten years out. 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 Southern Adventist University
Granite State College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. Granite State College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,522 in debt. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. Set against $27,522 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Granite State College
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (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 Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1272 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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