by our College Data Analytics Team
[Teacher Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/teacher-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value teacher education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in teacher education, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in teacher education, no school beat Sinte Gleska University this year. Located in the rural area of Mission, Sinte Gleska University is a small public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,714. Median earnings reach $20,948 ten years out.
Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at Northern State University, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Students borrow a median of $24,242 to complete the teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Northern State University generally make around $45,824. Set against $24,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #3 makes Black Hills State University one of the best values for teacher education. Set in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,916, with out-of-state students paying around $12,018. Students borrow a median of $26,312 to complete the teacher education program here. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $42,789. Set against $26,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Augustana College South Dakota is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teacher education, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,160. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Augustana College South Dakota generally make around $50,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.