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2024 Best Education Schools in the Southeast Region

268 Colleges in the Southeast Region
77,214 Education Degrees Awarded
$43,155 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. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 77,214 degrees in education during the 2021-2022 academic year.

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
111 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 large 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 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 111 education students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education degree program at Duke University make $3,925 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from Duke University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,029 Education Degrees Awarded
$54,265 Median Starting Salary

University of Georgia is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in education. Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #72 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 1029 education students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education degree program at University of Georgia make $11,110 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from University of Georgia

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
370 Education Degrees Awarded
$53,436 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 370 education students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Vanderbilt University receive an earnings boost of around $10,281 over the typical income of education graduates.

More information about a degree in education from Vanderbilt University

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

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

There were roughly 497 education students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from University of Virginia - Main Campus receive an earnings boost of about $8,794 above the average earnings of education graduates.

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
777 Education Degrees Awarded
$52,130 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 777 education students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education major at University of Florida earn $8,975 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in education from University of Florida

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,079 Education Degrees Awarded
$57,523 Median Starting Salary

GMU is a fairly 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 roughly 1079 education students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from George Mason University earn $14,368 more than the standard education grad.

More information about a degree in education from George Mason University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
661 Education Degrees Awarded
$50,944 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 661 education students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education major at North Carolina State University get $7,789 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

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
253 Education Degrees Awarded
$56,037 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 253 education students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from Virginia Tech get an earnings boost of approximately $12,881 over the typical income of education majors.

More information about a degree in education from Virginia Tech

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
241 Education Degrees Awarded
$49,048 Median Starting Salary

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 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 241 education students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receive $5,893 more than the average education grad.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
896 Education Degrees Awarded
$51,008 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 896 education students who graduated with this degree at UofL in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from University of Louisville receive $7,853 more than the average education graduate.

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
244 Education Degrees Awarded
$55,876 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small 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 roughly 243.99999999999997 education students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from William & Mary make $12,721 more than the standard education grad.

More information about a degree in education from William & Mary

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
607 Education Degrees Awarded
$44,211 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 607 education students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates 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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
683 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 about 683 education students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from Florida State University earn $7,841 more than the average education grad.

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
634 Education Degrees Awarded
$48,433 Median Starting Salary

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 roughly 634 education students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. Education degree recipients from University of Arkansas earn a boost of around $5,278 over the average income of education graduates.

More information about a degree in education from University of Arkansas

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,431 Education Degrees Awarded
$50,348 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 1431 education students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education program at University of Central Florida get $7,193 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
645 Education Degrees Awarded
$41,923 Median Starting Salary

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 schools nationwide means Clemson is a great university overall.

There were roughly 645 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 report average early career income of $41,923.

More information about a degree in education from Clemson University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
869 Education Degrees Awarded
$39,430 Median Starting Salary

Located in the distant 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 about 869 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
41 Education Degrees Awarded
$41,420 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 41 education students who graduated with this degree at Southern Adventist in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients typically earn around $41,420 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in education from Southern Adventist University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,017 Education Degrees Awarded
$48,834 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 1016.9999999999999 education students who graduated with this degree at GaSou in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the education major at Georgia Southern University get $5,679 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in education from Georgia Southern University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
570 Education Degrees Awarded
$47,923 Median Starting Salary

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 roughly 570 education students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent year we have data available. Those education students who get their degree from Auburn University make $4,768 more than the average education student.

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
740 Education Degrees Awarded
$49,734 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 740 education students who graduated with this degree at NUS Florida in the most recent year we have data available. Education degree recipients from Nova Southeastern University receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,579 over the average earnings of education graduates.

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
773 Education Degrees Awarded
$42,805 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 773.0000000000001 education students who graduated with this degree at Mississippi State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the education program earn about $42,805 for their early career.

More information about a degree in education from Mississippi State University

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

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

There were roughly 82 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 make $12,136 more than the typical education grad.

More information about a degree in education from Samford University

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

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

There were approximately 412 education students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year. Those education students who get their degree from The University of Alabama make $2,633 more than the typical education grad.

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

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

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

There were about 650.9999999999999 education students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the education program at University of South Florida - Main Campus get $3,062 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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
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31
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33
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

34
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
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37
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.

RankCollegeLocation
41Harding UniversitySearcy, AR
42Lipscomb UniversityNashville, TN
43College of CharlestonCharleston, SC
44University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL
45University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL
46University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg, KY
47Arkansas State University - Main CampusJonesboro, AR
48The University of Tennessee - ChattanoogaChattanooga, TN
49Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA
50University of North FloridaJacksonville, FL
51Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA
52Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA
53Mississippi CollegeClinton, MS

Best Education Colleges by State

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

StateCollegesDegrees Awarded
North Carolina386,573
West Virginia381,439
South Carolina383,529
Florida389,462
Virginia388,301
Arkansas384,035
Mississippi383,988
Louisiana372,757
Alabama374,473
Kentucky375,091
Georgia377,575
Tennessee374,689

View All Rankings >

Education Majors to Study

MajorAnnual Graduates
Teacher Education Grade Specific30,056
Educational Administration12,251
Teacher Education Subject Specific9,842
Special Education5,776
Curriculum & Instruction5,366
Student Counseling4,449
General Education4,289
Instructional Media Design1,994
Other Education1,497
Teaching English or French947

View All Education Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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