2026 Best Value Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools

1

Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College earned the #1 spot for value among teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $13,389. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $77,140. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

2

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Students looking for strong value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor will find it at Cuny Hunter College, which ranked #2. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $11,091. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $77,537. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

A rank of #3 makes Cuny Queens College one of the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, compared with $15,488 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $12,157. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $62,511. That is a strong return on a $12,157 median debt. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.

4

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $14,430. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $48,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

5

Cuny Lehman College
Bronx, NY

Cuny Lehman College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Cuny Lehman College is a large public school located in the city of Bronx. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $13,213 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Cuny Lehman College earn a median of $78,802 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.

6

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino earned the #6 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $42,421. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

7

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University came in at #7 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $49,340. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

8

Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID

Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #8 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $43,853. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

9

Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College landed the #9 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Set in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,894, while out-of-state students pay about $11,874. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $10,963 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Harper College generally make around $44,523. Set against $10,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras placed #10 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $5,673 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras generally make around $24,881. That is a strong return on a $5,673 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas earned the #11 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $50,039. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

12

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University landed the #12 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Western Governors University generally make around $66,158. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

College Of Lake County
Grayslake, IL

College Of Lake County ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. Students from in state pay about $4,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $9,785. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Set against $9,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah landed the #14 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $60,527. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.

15

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $21,620. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $51,790. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.

16

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #16 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $48,906 early in their careers. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

17

Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

Rhode Island College earned the #17 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,300 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $23,394 in student loans. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Rhode Island College earn a median of $67,621 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,394 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

18

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University came in at #18 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $21,754. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $47,144. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

19

Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA

Holy Family University landed the #19 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,330. Students borrow a median of $26,562 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Holy Family University earn a median of $67,131 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

20

University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI

University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #20 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $17,750. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from University Of Hawaii At Manoa generally make around $48,181. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants.

21

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University earned the #21 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Indiana State University generally make around $53,952. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

22

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL

Northeastern Illinois University landed the #22 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,383, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $17,600. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $49,254. Set against $17,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

23

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University earned the #23 position for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $46,277. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

24

University Of Southern Maine
Portland, ME

University Of Southern Maine came in at #24 for value in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,940. Typical student debt for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates is $23,593. Early-career teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor graduates make about $47,003. That is a strong return on a $23,593 median debt. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.

25

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA

Old Dominion University placed #25 among the best values for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program here. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Old Dominion University earn a median of $57,131 early in their careers. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.