2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Valley City State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Valley City, ND, Valley City State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Valley City State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,394 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. Set against $24,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Valley City State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,082 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $26,082 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #3 makes Viterbo University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Students borrow a median of $29,107 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Viterbo University
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Worcester State University landed the #4 spot. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Students borrow a median of $24,451 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Worcester State University
You'll get strong value at Hamline University, which ranked #5 this year. Based 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. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,530. Median earnings reach $61,106 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Hamline University
Concordia University Seward came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit school based in Seward, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,640. Graduates carry a median of $23,670 in student loans. Concordia University Seward alumni report median earnings of $52,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,670 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Seward
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Ferris State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,076. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Set against $29,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Gordon College placed #9 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Gordon College alumni report median earnings of $52,119 a decade after entry. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gordon College admits about 69% of applicants. Read more about Gordon College
Concordia University Chicago placed #10 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Fitchburg State University placed #11 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Western Governors University ranked #12 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. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,145. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. Set against $25,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Governors University profile
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Olivet Nazarene University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Olivet Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $53,213 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Messiah College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,240. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Messiah College alumni report median earnings of $54,064 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Messiah College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. Baldwin Wallace College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Saint Cloud State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $30,795 in debt. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Set against $30,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Alverno College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,425 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,145 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Alverno College report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,081. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,648 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $32,807. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,149. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Illinois State University report
Northeastern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full Northeastern State University profile
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Conway, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
Piedmont College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Granite State College placed #25 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,522. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $27,522 median debt. See the full Granite State College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,134 in debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,134 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,755 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,934 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,755 median debt. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full The College Of Saint Scholastica report
Converse College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,240. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,715. Median earnings reach $40,867 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Converse College
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marywood University profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Montclair State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Montclair State University
Walden University placed #34 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Louisiana Tech University placed #35 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,846. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,846 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
St Catherine University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Catherine University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on St Catherine University
Mount St Marys University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Emmitsburg, MD, Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,630 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,539 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,072. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount St Marys University admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on Mount St Marys University
Rider University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $41,120. Rider University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Rider University alumni report median earnings of $62,208 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Rider University
Eastern Mennonite University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit school based in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,920. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $54,869 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Eastern Mennonite University report
Midamerica Nazarene University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Olathe, KS, Midamerica Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,174. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,740. Midamerica Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $62,972 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midamerica Nazarene University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Midamerica Nazarene University
Augusta University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,969. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Augusta University
Lipscomb University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Lipscomb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,529. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,541. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Lipscomb University report
Valdosta State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Valdosta State University is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Valdosta State University
National Louis University placed #43 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. National Louis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. National Louis University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
Lindenwood University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Students borrow a median of $32,500 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Set against $32,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
Capella University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,189 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. See the full Capella University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Mcneese State University placed #48 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,489 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,989. Students borrow a median of $24,433 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $46,453 ten years out. Set against $24,433 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcneese State University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Mcneese State University
Towson University placed #49 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University
American International College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,230. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $30,390. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,124. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American International College admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about American International College
Related Teacher Education And Development Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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