by our College Data Analytics Team
[Teacher Education Grade Specific](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for teacher education grade specific students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the teacher education grade specific degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Oglala Lakota College the best value for a degree in teacher education grade specific in South Dakota. Oglala Lakota College is a small public school located in the rural area of Kyle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,684. Median earnings reach $22,517 ten years out.
A rank of #2 makes Black Hills State University one of the best values for teacher education grade specific. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $26,312. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $51,049. Set against $26,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Northern State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in teacher education grade specific, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Aberdeen, Northern State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,947. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $24,242 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Northern State University earn a median of $46,042 early in their careers. Set against $24,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern State University admits about 93% of applicants.
Sinte Gleska University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Set in the rural area of Mission, Sinte Gleska University is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,714 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $20,948 ten years after entry.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #5 place for teacher education grade specific. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical student debt for teacher education grade specific graduates is $25,937. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $43,530 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.
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University Of South Dakota earned the #6 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Located in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $46,542. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Dakota Wesleyan University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Set in the town of Mitchell, Dakota Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,790. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $71,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Dakota State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Located in the town of Madison, Dakota State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,600 to complete the teacher education grade specific program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education grade specific degree recipients from Dakota State University generally make around $46,627. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants.
University Of Sioux Falls ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education grade specific schools. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,750. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $40,171. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants.
Mount Marty College placed #10 among the best values for teacher education grade specific. Set in the town of Yankton, Mount Marty College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career teacher education grade specific graduates make about $45,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.
Augustana College South Dakota earned the #11 position for value in teacher education grade specific this year. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Teacher Education Grade Specific graduates of Augustana College South Dakota earn a median of $44,290 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.