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? We have ranked 1272 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor 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
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Concordia University Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Capella University landed the #2 spot. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Capella University profile
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Illinois State University landed the #3 spot. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $24,149 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Illinois State University
You'll get strong value at Southern Adventist University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Collegedale, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,300. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,498. Median earnings reach $53,723 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,498 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Adventist University
You'll get strong value at Montclair State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile
National Louis 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 Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,245. National Louis University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,242 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on National Louis University
Sam Houston State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $24,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Judson University placed #9 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Elgin, IL, Judson University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,297 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,685. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,313. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Judson University has an acceptance rate of 48%. See the full Judson University profile
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Central Michigan University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,000. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of Georgia placed #12 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
San Diego State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,417 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $20,031. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Texas Womans University placed #15 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Washington State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Washington State University
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Texas Christian University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Texas Christian University alumni report median earnings of $68,424 a decade after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. Get the full Texas Christian University report
University Of Hartford landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,823. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hartford admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about University Of Hartford
Texas Tech University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $24,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #20 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Iowa State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of North Texas placed #21 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $21,817 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #24 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Universidad Metropolitana offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in San Juan, PR, Universidad Metropolitana is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $14,000. Median earnings reach $24,490 ten years out. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Metropolitana report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,093. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,093 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock profile
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 placed #27 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Queens, NY, St Johns University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. St Johns University New York alumni report median earnings of $69,571 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%. More on St Johns University New York
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,102 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $23,102 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Temple University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $21,182. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $21,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Texas State University San Marcos placed #33 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Stony Brook University placed #34 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. More on Stony Brook University
Western Michigan University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Western Michigan University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $15,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,275 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
Hofstra University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Get the full Hofstra University report
Regent University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. Regent University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Regent University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on University Of Pennsylvania
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $25,500. 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. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Auburn University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $23,600 in student loans. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,600 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Auburn University
Southern University And A And M College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,922, with out-of-state students paying around $17,272. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $33,288. Median earnings reach $43,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,288 median debt. 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. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $24,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Ball State University report
New York University placed #46 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,403. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $25,403 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,654 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Georgia State University placed #48 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $28,687. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Set against $28,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia State University
Florida State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about Florida State University
Indiana University Bloomington placed #50 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Indiana University Bloomington is a public school based in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Kansas came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kansas
Related Teacher Education And Development Value Rankings
Explore 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 Course Advisor (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).