2027 Best Value Social Science Teacher Education Schools in the New England Region

[Social Science Teacher Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/social-science-teacher-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for social science teacher education students.
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2027 Best Value Social Science Teacher Education Schools in the New England Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in social science teacher education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Social Science Teacher Education Schools
Our analysis ranked Rhode Island College the best value for a degree in social science teacher education in the New England Region. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,300, with out-of-state students paying around $27,299. Students borrow a median of $29,659 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $51,124 early in their careers. Set against $29,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rhode Island College admits about 92% of applicants.
Worcester State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Set in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $24,451. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Worcester State University earn a median of $45,297 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,451 median debt. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fitchburg State University earned it the #3 place for social science teacher education. Set in the suburb of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $25,840 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Fitchburg State University earn a median of $48,965 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bridgewater State University earned it the #4 place for social science teacher education. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,734, with out-of-state students paying around $17,874. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Bridgewater State University earn a median of $48,937 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bridgewater State University admits about 88% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Plymouth State University one of the best values for social science teacher education. Plymouth State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Plymouth. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,626, with out-of-state students paying around $25,566. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the social science teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, social science teacher education degree recipients from Plymouth State University generally make around $44,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Plymouth State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Gordon College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value social science teacher education schools. Set in the rural area of Wenham, Gordon College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,700. Typical student debt for social science teacher education graduates is $26,372. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Gordon College earn a median of $37,097 early in their careers. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Lesley University earned the #7 position for value in social science teacher education this year. Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Students from in state pay about $34,256 in tuition and fees. Social Science Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $24,818 in student loans. Social Science Teacher Education graduates of Lesley University earn a median of $62,468 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,818 median debt. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.