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2024 Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region

268 Colleges in the Southeast Region
74,881 Education Degrees Awarded
$43,366 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in education is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #4 out of 38 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 268 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 74,881 degrees in education to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Education School

Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of education school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for education schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Education Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Education
Bachelor's Degrees in Education
Master's Degrees in Education
Doctor's Degrees in Education

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Education in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of education degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Education

1
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
135 Education Degrees Awarded
$47,080 Median Starting Salary

Duke University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in education. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 135 education students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from Duke University earn $3,714 more than the average education student.

More information about a degree in education from Duke University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
832 Education Degrees Awarded
$54,265 Median Starting Salary

University of Georgia is a great option for students interested in a degree in education. Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #72 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 832 education students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from University of Georgia make $10,898 more than the standard education grad.

More information about a degree in education from University of Georgia

3
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
346 Education Degrees Awarded
$53,436 Median Starting Salary

Vanderbilt University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in education. Vanderbilt is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 346 education students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education program at Vanderbilt University make $10,070 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from Vanderbilt University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
369 Education Degrees Awarded
$51,949 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat University of Virginia - Main Campus if you want to pursue a degree in education. University of Virginia is a fairly large public university located in the small suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 369 education students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education degree program at University of Virginia - Main Campus get $8,582 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in education from University of Virginia - Main Campus

5
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
657 Education Degrees Awarded
$52,130 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were approximately 657 education students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from University of Florida receive an earnings boost of about $8,763 above the typical income of education majors.

More information about a degree in education from University of Florida

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,351 Education Degrees Awarded
$57,523 Median Starting Salary

GMU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1351 education students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education degree program at George Mason University earn $14,156 above the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in education from George Mason University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
607 Education Degrees Awarded
4.0% Growth in Graduates

NC State is a very large public university located in the city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 607 education students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from North Carolina State University earn a boost of approximately $7,577 above the typical earnings of education graduates.

More information about a degree in education from North Carolina State University

8
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
276 Education Degrees Awarded
$56,037 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 276 education students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Virginia Tech get an earnings boost of around $12,670 above the typical earnings of education graduates.

More information about a degree in education from Virginia Tech

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
244 Education Degrees Awarded
5.7% Growth in Graduates

UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #43 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 244 education students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education degree program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill get $5,681 more than the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
776 Education Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Louisville, UofL is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 38 schools for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were approximately 776 education students who graduated with this degree at UofL in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from University of Louisville receive $7,642 more than the standard education student.

More information about a degree in education from University of Louisville

11
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
156 Education Degrees Awarded
$55,876 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public school with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #111 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means William & Mary is a great school overall.

There were about 156 education students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from William & Mary earn $12,510 more than the typical education student.

More information about a degree in education from William & Mary

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
661 Education Degrees Awarded
2.0% Growth in Graduates

UK is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Lexington. This university ranks 1st out of 38 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were approximately 661 education students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the education program earn about $44,211 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in education from University of Kentucky

13
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
576 Education Degrees Awarded
$50,996 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #121 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 576 education students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education degree program at Florida State University earn $7,630 more than the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from Florida State University

14
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
597 Education Degrees Awarded
14.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 34 schools for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 597 education students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from University of Arkansas earn $5,067 more than the standard education graduate.

More information about a degree in education from University of Arkansas

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,635 Education Degrees Awarded
$50,348 Median Starting Salary

UCF is a very large public university located in the suburb of Orlando. This university ranks 7th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 1634.9999999999998 education students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from University of Central Florida earn $6,981 more than the standard education graduate.

More information about a degree in education from University of Central Florida

16
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
792 Education Degrees Awarded
42.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #107 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Clemson is a great university overall.

There were approximately 792 education students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program state that they receive average early career wages of $41,923.

More information about a degree in education from Clemson University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
808 Education Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 9th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 808.0000000000001 education students who graduated with this degree at Appalachian State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the education program report average early career wages of $39,430.

More information about a degree in education from Appalachian State University

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 Education Degrees Awarded
2.8% Growth in Graduates

Southern Adventist is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Collegedale. This university ranks 5th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 36 education students who graduated with this degree at Southern Adventist in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, education degree recipients typically make about $41,420 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in education from Southern Adventist University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
994 Education Degrees Awarded
16.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Statesboro, GaSou is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 68 schools for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were about 994.0000000000001 education students who graduated with this degree at GaSou in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from Georgia Southern University earn $5,468 more than the average education student.

More information about a degree in education from Georgia Southern University

20
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
591 Education Degrees Awarded
2.2% Growth in Graduates

Auburn is a fairly large public university located in the city of Auburn. This university ranks 3rd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 591 education students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Auburn University receive an earnings boost of around $4,557 above the typical earnings of education majors.

More information about a degree in education from Auburn University

21
NUS Florida crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
715 Education Degrees Awarded
$49,734 Median Starting Salary

NUS Florida is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Fort Lauderdale. This university ranks 10th out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 715 education students who graduated with this degree at NUS Florida in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education program at Nova Southeastern University make $6,367 above the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in education from Nova Southeastern University

22
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
580 Education Degrees Awarded
10.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Mississippi.

There were approximately 580 education students who graduated with this degree at Mississippi State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the education program earn around $42,805 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in education from Mississippi State University

23
Samford crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Education Degrees Awarded
$55,292 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Birmingham, Samford is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 4th out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 145 education students who graduated with this degree at Samford in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from Samford University earn $11,925 more than the average education student.

More information about a degree in education from Samford University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
368 Education Degrees Awarded
$45,789 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 368 education students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from The University of Alabama make $2,422 more than the standard education student.

More information about a degree in education from The University of Alabama

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
745 Education Degrees Awarded
$46,217 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 745.0000000000001 education students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from University of South Florida - Main Campus make $2,851 more than the typical education student.

More information about a degree in education from University of South Florida - Main Campus

Rest of the Top Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region

26
27
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
28
29
30
31
32

33
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

34
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
35
36
37
William Carey University crest
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS
38
39
40
Bellarmine U crest
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY

 

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
41 Harding University Searcy, AR
42 Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
43 College of Charleston Charleston, SC
44 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
45 University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
46 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY
47 Arkansas State University - Main Campus Jonesboro, AR
48 The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN
49 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
50 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
51 Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, GA
52 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
53 Mississippi College Clinton, MS

Best Education Colleges by State

Explore the best education schools for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 38 6,573
West Virginia 38 1,439
Mississippi 38 3,988
South Carolina 38 3,529
Florida 38 9,462
Virginia 38 8,301
Arkansas 38 4,035
Alabama 37 4,473
Kentucky 37 5,091
Georgia 37 7,575
Tennessee 37 4,689
Louisiana 37 2,757

View All Rankings >

Education Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific 29,166
Educational Administration 11,559
Teacher Education Subject Specific 10,486
Special Education 5,866
Curriculum & Instruction 5,033
General Education 4,037
Student Counseling 3,866
Instructional Media Design 1,875
Other Education 1,451
Teaching English or French 933

View All Education Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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