2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Concordia University Chicago to be the best-value Teacher Education And Development school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Capella University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
Illinois State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,149. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southern Adventist University landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Collegedale, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,300. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,498. Southern Adventist University alumni report median earnings of $53,723 a decade after entry. Set against $25,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Adventist University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on National Louis University
Sam Houston State University placed #8 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,850. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Judson University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Judson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elgin, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,297. Students borrow a median of $27,685 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $56,313 ten years out. Set against $27,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Judson University
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Central Michigan University placed #11 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Central Michigan University
University Of Georgia came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
San Diego State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $16,417. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Texas Womans University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Texas Womans University
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
Texas Christian University placed #17 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of Hartford offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,823. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Hartford
Texas Tech University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. Read more about Teachers College At Columbia University
University Of North Texas placed #21 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of North Texas
Iowa State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $19,000. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. More on Purdue University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Universidad Metropolitana placed #25 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $14,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,490. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Metropolitana report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,093. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
St Johns University New York placed #28 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,529. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,571 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about St Johns University New York
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,102. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Temple University placed #30 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Temple University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,182. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,182 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,500. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Stony Brook University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Stony Brook University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $20,537 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
Western Michigan University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Florida came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $15,275 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $15,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Hofstra University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hempstead, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,660. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,517. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,039. Set against $23,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hofstra University admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Hofstra University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Regent University
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Iowa ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Auburn University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,600. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
Southern University And A And M College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Southern University And A And M College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $33,288 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,371. Set against $33,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern University And A And M College
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,998 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Ball State University
New York University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $25,403 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $25,403 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $17,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Georgia State University placed #48 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Graduates carry a median of $28,687 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Georgia State University profile
Florida State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of Kansas placed #50 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. University Of Kansas Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,174 in debt. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $24,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kansas
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
Related Teacher Education And Development Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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