by our College Data Analytics Team
[Teacher Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-development-levels-methods/teacher-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for teacher education students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the teacher education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Sinte Gleska University earned the #1 spot for value among teacher education schools in South Dakota. Sinte Gleska University is a small public school located in the rural area of Mission. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,714. Graduates go on to earn a median of $20,948 ten years after entry.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Black Hills State University earned it the #2 place for teacher education. Black Hills State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Spearfish. Students from in state pay about $8,916 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,018 for out-of-state students. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $26,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Black Hills State University generally make around $42,789. Set against $26,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
A rank of #3 makes Northern State University one of the best values for teacher education. Northern State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Aberdeen. In-state tuition and fees average $8,845, with out-of-state students paying around $11,947. Typical student debt for teacher education graduates is $24,242. Early-career teacher education graduates make about $45,824. Set against $24,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Augustana College South Dakota earned it the #4 place for teacher education. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Teacher Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teacher education degree recipients from Augustana College South Dakota generally make around $50,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.