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? This list ranks 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 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
Explore the best-value schools below:
Valley City State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Teacher Education And Development graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Valley City State University is a public school based in Valley City, ND. Students from in state pay about $8,580 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,725. Set against $24,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valley City State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Valley City State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $26,082. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about 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. Students from in state pay about $34,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,107. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,660. That is a strong return on a $29,107 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Viterbo University profile
A rank of #4 makes Worcester State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $24,451. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Set against $24,451 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Out of the 1272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hamline University landed the #5 spot. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Hamline University
Concordia University Seward came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seward, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,640. Students borrow a median of $23,670 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,415. That is a strong return on a $23,670 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. 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. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $29,026. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Ferris State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,076 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $29,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Gordon College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wenham, MA, Gordon College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $26,372. Median earnings reach $52,119 ten years out. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Gordon College report
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 average $37,488. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,089 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
Fitchburg State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,840 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $25,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fitchburg State University
Western Governors University placed #12 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $25,145 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Governors University
Olivet Nazarene University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,213. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Olivet Nazarene University report
Messiah College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,064 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Messiah College profile
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Baldwin Wallace College
Saint Cloud State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,795 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Alverno College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Alverno College is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,086. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $34,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Alverno College profile
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #18 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. Typical Teacher Education And Development student 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. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $32,807. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
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 run about $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,386. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report
Illinois State University landed the #21 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 average $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. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $24,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Northeastern State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Northeastern State University report
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
Piedmont College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $29,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. See the full Piedmont College profile
Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,724, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $27,522. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Granite State College
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 landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Western Illinois University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Grand Canyon University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $25,134 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
The College Of Saint Scholastica landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,778. Graduates carry a median of $26,755 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
Converse College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spartanburg, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,240. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Median earnings reach $40,867 ten years out. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Converse College admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Converse College
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Montclair State University placed #33 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $49,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Louisiana Tech University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Louisiana Tech University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $23,846 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
St Catherine University placed #36 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $28,000. St Catherine University alumni report median earnings of $59,282 a decade after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about St Catherine University
Mount St Marys University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Set in Emmitsburg, MD, Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,630. The median Teacher Education And Development program debt is $23,539. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,072 ten years after entry. Set against $23,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount St Marys University profile
Rider University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Rider University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lawrenceville, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,120. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,208 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rider University
Eastern Mennonite University placed #39 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, Eastern Mennonite University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,920 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,869 ten years after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Mennonite University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Mennonite University
Midamerica Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Olathe, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,174. Students borrow a median of $25,740 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,972 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midamerica Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Midamerica Nazarene University
Augusta University placed #41 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Augusta University Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $25,969 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,472 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Augusta University
Lipscomb University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,541 ten years after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lipscomb University
National Louis University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $29,242 in student loans. National Louis University alumni report median earnings of $45,799 a decade after entry. Set against $29,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full National Louis University report
Valdosta State University placed #43 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $28,661. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,361. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Valdosta State University
Lindenwood University placed #45 among the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $32,500. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lindenwood University
Capella University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $35,998. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Get the full Capella University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their Teacher Education And Development program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Mcneese State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Based in Lake Charles, LA, Mcneese State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,489, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Typical Teacher Education And Development student debt is $24,433. Median earnings reach $46,453 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Mcneese State University
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Towson University
American International College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Teacher Education And Development schools. Located in Springfield, MA, American International College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,230 in tuition and fees. American International College Teacher Education And Development students take on a median of $30,390 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,124. That is a strong return on a $30,390 median debt. American International College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full American International College report
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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Teacher Education And Development Doctoral 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.