2027 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools
[Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor](/majors/education/teaching-french-foreign-language/english-as-a-second-or-foreign-language-esl-language-instructor/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 111 schools to find the best return on investment for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students.
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Finding the Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor School for You
The teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
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One Size Does Not Fit All
We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
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2027 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools in the United States
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools
Cuny City College earned the #1 spot for value among teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $13,389. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $77,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.
A rank of #2 makes Cuny Hunter College one of the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $11,091. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Cuny Hunter College generally make around $77,537. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor will find it at Cuny Queens College, which ranked #3. Cuny Queens College is a large public school located in the city of Queens. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $62,511. Set against $12,157 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.
A rank of #4 makes California State University Los Angeles one of the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $14,430. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $48,403. Set against $14,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Los Angeles admits about 91% of applicants.
California State University San Bernardino is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor, landing the #5 spot this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $42,421. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.
Florida Atlantic University placed #6 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $20,212. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $49,340. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
Cuny College Of Staten Island came in at #7 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Staten Island, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,490, with out-of-state students paying around $15,440. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $14,688. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Cuny College Of Staten Island earn a median of $77,066 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,688 median debt. Cuny College Of Staten Island admits about 92% of applicants.
Brigham Young University Idaho placed #8 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #9 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $50,039 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants.
University Of Central Florida placed #10 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $21,620. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $51,790. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.
Rhode Island College ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,300, compared with $27,299 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,394 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Rhode Island College generally make around $67,621. Set against $23,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Western Governors University placed #12 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $66,158. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt.
Wayne State University landed the #13 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,689 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $55,469 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Harper College came in at #14 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Harper College earn a median of $44,523 early in their careers. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras landed the #15 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Set in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $5,673. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras generally make around $24,881. Set against $5,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.
Washtenaw Community College earned the #16 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Washtenaw Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ann Arbor. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,736, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $17,616 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $45,332. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Governors State University came in at #17 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Governors State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $51,711. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $48,906 early in their careers. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants.
University Of Georgia placed #19 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $53,546 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Portland State University ranked #20 on our 2027 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $47,717. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $20,778. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
San Diego State University ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from San Diego State University generally make around $51,162. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Guam came in at #23 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. University Of Guam is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Mangilao. Students from in state pay about $6,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,414. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $15,650 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Guam generally make around $26,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #24 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $23,312 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $50,641. Set against $23,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants.
Mercy College ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,880. Students borrow a median of $28,304 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $67,880. That is a strong return on a $28,304 median debt. Mercy College admits about 86% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 111 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 111 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.
