by our College Data Analytics Team
[Teacher Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/teacher-education/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 13 schools to build this 2026 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.
Our analysis ranked Sinclair Community College the best value for a degree in teacher education in Ohio. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,129 to complete the teacher education program here. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $24,950. That is a strong return on a $12,129 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Owens Community College earned it the #2 place for teacher education. Located in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $15,250. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Owens Community College generally make around $22,645. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wright State University Main Campus earned it the #3 place for teacher education. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $49,077. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Toledo one of the best values for teacher education. Located in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Students borrow a median of $24,100 to complete the teacher education program here. Teacher Education graduates of University Of Toledo earn a median of $39,947 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
A rank of #5 makes Bowling Green State University Main Campus one of the best values for teacher education. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $19,545 to complete the teacher education program here. Teacher Education graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $40,271 early in their careers. Set against $19,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
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Ohio Northern University earned the #6 position for value in teacher education this year. Located in the town of Ada, Ohio Northern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,600. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $26,661. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Ohio Northern University generally make around $56,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #7 for value in teacher education this year. Located in the suburb of Berea, Baldwin Wallace College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Baldwin Wallace College generally make around $46,668. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Dayton earned the #8 position for value in teacher education this year. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $25,483. Teacher Education graduates of University Of Dayton earn a median of $56,077 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.