2026 Best Value Teacher Education Schools in Massachusetts

1

Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA

Our analysis ranked Northern Essex Community College the best value for a degree in teacher education in Massachusetts. Set in the suburb of Haverhill, Northern Essex Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,732, with out-of-state students paying around $12,516. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $10,129 in student loans. Teacher Education graduates of Northern Essex Community College earn a median of $28,635 early in their careers. Set against $10,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Worcester State University
Worcester, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Worcester State University earned it the #2 place for teacher education. Located in the city of Worcester, Worcester State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $22,971 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Worcester State University generally make around $42,313. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA

Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at Bridgewater State University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,734, with out-of-state students paying around $17,874. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the teacher education program here. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Bridgewater State University generally make around $50,137. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

4

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

Students looking for strong value in teacher education will find it at Lesley University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Cambridge, Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. Students borrow a median of $17,918 to complete the teacher education program here. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $44,692. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

5

Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Merrimack College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value teacher education schools. Merrimack College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of North Andover. In-state tuition and fees average $53,962. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $26,913 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Merrimack College generally make around $55,327. Set against $26,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.