2026 Best Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Teacher Education And Development master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1272 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, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #2 on this year's best-value Teacher Education And Development ranking in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,875. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,868. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
You'll get strong value at Vandercook College Of Music, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Vandercook College Of Music is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,910. Vandercook College Of Music Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Vandercook College Of Music alumni report median earnings of $47,863 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Vandercook College Of Music has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Vandercook College Of Music
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $9,117 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $9,117 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Morningside College landed the #5 spot. Set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Morningside College admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Morningside College
Worcester State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,451 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Charleston Southern University placed #7 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,520. Charleston Southern University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,323 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. That is a strong return on a $27,323 median debt. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Charleston Southern University
Valley City State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,580, compared with $13,544 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Valley City State University alumni report median earnings of $52,725 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,394 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Valley City State University
Ashland University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Ashland University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University
Western Governors University placed #10 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Western Governors University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,145 in debt. Western Governors University alumni report median earnings of $60,615 a decade after entry. Set against $25,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Governors University
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,521. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. See the full University Of Sioux Falls profile
Gordon College placed #12 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Gordon College is a private not-for-profit school based in Wenham, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,372 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,119. That is a strong return on a $26,372 median debt. Gordon College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Gordon College
Concordia College At Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,170. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,317 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia College At Moorhead admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Concordia College At Moorhead
Fitchburg State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Hood College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Hood College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Hood College
Ferris State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,076 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ferris State University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,082 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,361. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwest Minnesota State University has an acceptance rate of 62%. More on Southwest Minnesota State University
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,221. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,221 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Concordia University Seward ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Seward, NE, Concordia University Seward is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,640 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,670 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $23,670 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Seward profile
Providence College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,550. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,833. Providence College alumni report median earnings of $87,054 a decade after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Providence College admits about 51% of applicants. Read the full report on Providence College
Cumberland University placed #22 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Cumberland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lebanon, TN. Students from in state pay about $27,840 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $21,902. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,687 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cumberland University
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hamline University
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,600. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,026. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Drake University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,273. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Drake University profile
Spring Arbor University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,014. Spring Arbor University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $28,360 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Spring Arbor University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Teacher Education And Development Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Bemidji State University placed #27 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Bemidji State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,389 in debt. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,389 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. More on Bemidji State University
Northern State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern State University is a public school based in Aberdeen, SD. Students from in state pay about $8,845 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Graduates carry a median of $26,143 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,618. That is a strong return on a $26,143 median debt. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern State University
Mount Marty College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,179. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Fresno Pacific University placed #30 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,660. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants. Read more about Fresno Pacific University
Wilmington University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Wilmington University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wilmington University report
Concordia University Chicago ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
Mcdaniel College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mcdaniel College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,485 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. 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
Olivet Nazarene University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,900. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Olivet Nazarene University
Muskingum University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,701. Graduates carry a median of $26,932 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,440 ten years after entry. Set against $26,932 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Muskingum University
Piedmont College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Piedmont College
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $23,168. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Truman State University
Holy Family University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Students borrow a median of $26,562 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,235. Set against $26,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Holy Family University profile
Youngstown State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,751. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,751 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Youngstown State University
The College Of New Jersey landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on The College Of New Jersey
Mount Mercy University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,878 in tuition and fees. Mount Mercy University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,709 in debt. Mount Mercy University alumni report median earnings of $60,787 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mount Mercy University
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,500. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Baldwin Wallace College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Northern Illinois University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,746 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,746 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Delta State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Delta State University
Westfield State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Westfield State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,910 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Westfield State University
Hastings College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Hastings College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hastings, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $37,770. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,125. Median earnings reach $51,303 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hastings College has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Hastings College
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,081. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Alverno College placed #50 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,086. Alverno College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $34,425 in debt. Alverno College alumni report median earnings of $53,145 a decade 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
Illinois State University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,149 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,149 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Illinois State University
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 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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