2026 Best Value Teacher Education Schools in California

1

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine tops our 2026 list of the best value teacher education schools in California. Located in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $65,591. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants.

2

Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA

Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at Fresno Pacific University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $36,660 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Fresno Pacific University generally make around $33,727. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Fresno Pacific University admits about 64% of applicants.

3

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

A rank of #3 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values for teacher education. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Teacher Education graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

4

Vanguard University Of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA

Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at Vanguard University Of Southern California, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Vanguard University Of Southern California is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $41,700 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $21,111. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $80,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

5

United States University
San Diego, CA

Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at United States University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of San Diego, United States University is a mid-sized private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,108. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $32,641 in student loans. Teacher Education graduates of United States University earn a median of $120,862 early in their careers. Set against $32,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

University Of Redlands
Redlands, CA

University Of Redlands came in at #6 for value in teacher education this year. University Of Redlands is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Redlands. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,878. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from University Of Redlands generally make around $59,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Redlands admits about 83% of applicants.

7

Ashford University
San Diego, CA

Ashford University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education schools. Set in the city of San Diego, Ashford University is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $34,575. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $35,426. Set against $34,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University came in at #8 for value in teacher education this year. Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Santa Clara. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,293. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $68,067. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants.