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2026 Best Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Master’s Degree Schools

63 Colleges in the United States
2,224 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Degrees Awarded
$55,671 Avg Early-Career Salary

Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 451 schools to find the best for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor in the United States

Below are the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools at the master’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor

1
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked New York University the best school in the country for a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. New York University awarded about 97 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree from New York University earn around $64,516 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,897. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at New York University

2
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 59 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $99,682 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete this degree. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for University Of Pennsylvania

3
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 18 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at Boston University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $63,598. Boston University graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at Boston University

4

A rank of #4 makes Wheaton College Illinois one of the top schools for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Wheaton. Wheaton College Illinois graduates 85% of students within six years. About 16 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at Wheaton College Illinois in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Wheaton College Illinois generally make around $43,654. Wheaton College Illinois graduates carry a median of $23,292 in student loans. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for Wheaton College Illinois

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Delaware one of the top schools for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. About 34 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at University Of Delaware in the most recent year. Students who receive their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree from University Of Delaware earn around $54,155 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete this degree. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at University Of Delaware

6
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College earned the #6 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. There were roughly 29 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at Cuny City College in the most recent data year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Cuny City College earn a median of $77,140 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $13,389. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for Cuny City College

7

State University Of New York At New Paltz landed the #7 spot for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. This moderately-sized public university is located in the town of New Paltz. About 72% of students finish within six years. About 16 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at State University Of New York At New Paltz in the most recent year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $79,209 in their early career. State University Of New York At New Paltz graduates carry a median of $21,530 in student loans. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at State University Of New York At New Paltz

8
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University earned the #8 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Stony Brook. Stony Brook University graduates 76% of students within six years. About 27 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at Stony Brook University in the most recent year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Stony Brook University earn a median of $63,269 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete this degree. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for Stony Brook University

9
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College placed #9 among the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 48 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at Cuny Hunter College in the most recent year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $77,537 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete this degree. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for Cuny Hunter College

10

St Johns University New York earned the #10 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of Queens, St Johns University New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. St Johns University New York awarded about 22 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree from St Johns University New York earn around $60,823 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,521. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for St Johns University New York

11

Cuny Queens College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. About 53% of students finish within six years. Cuny Queens College awarded about 45 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree from Cuny Queens College earn around $76,099 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,157 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor from Cuny Queens College

12

California State University Los Angeles placed #12 among the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. About 53% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at California State University Los Angeles in the most recent data year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of California State University Los Angeles earn a median of $48,403 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,430. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for California State University Los Angeles

13
Vanderbilt University crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #13 among the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 19 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree from Vanderbilt University earn around $77,997 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,975. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for Vanderbilt University

14
Touro College crest
Touro College
New York, NY

Touro College earned the #14 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the city of New York, Touro College is a large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 33 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at Touro College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $76,615 in their early career. Touro College graduates carry a median of $20,285 in student loans. See the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program report for Touro College

15

Pace University New York earned the #15 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. About 60% of students finish within six years. Pace University New York awarded about 13 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Pace University New York earn a median of $59,662 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,670. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for Pace University New York

16

The College Of New Jersey earned the #16 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public university. The College Of New Jersey graduates 86% of students within six years. The College Of New Jersey awarded about 23 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $56,617. Typical student debt for the program is $24,429. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for The College Of New Jersey

17

California State University San Bernardino earned the #17 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. About 19 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at California State University San Bernardino in the most recent year. 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. California State University San Bernardino graduates carry a median of $15,149 in student loans. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for California State University San Bernardino

18

University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #18 for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public university. University Of Maryland Baltimore County graduates 69% of students within six years. University Of Maryland Baltimore County awarded about 29 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $57,529 early in their careers. University Of Maryland Baltimore County graduates carry a median of $21,331 in student loans. Get the full teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor details for University Of Maryland Baltimore County

19

University Of Rochester placed #19 among the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Rochester awarded about 12 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $60,865 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,517. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at University Of Rochester

20

Cuny Lehman College earned the #20 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Cuny Lehman College is a large public school located in the city of Bronx. About 51% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 15 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at Cuny Lehman College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $78,802. Typical student debt for the program is $13,213. More information about a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor from Cuny Lehman College

21
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University earned the #21 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Set in the suburb of Hempstead, Hofstra University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Hofstra University awarded about 10 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Teaching English As A Second Or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor graduates of Hofstra University earn a median of $55,705 early in their careers. Hofstra University graduates carry a median of $24,848 in student loans. More information about a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor from Hofstra University

22
Mcdaniel College crest
Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD

Mcdaniel College earned the #22 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Westminster. About 63% of students finish within six years. About 11 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees were awarded at Mcdaniel College in the most recent year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $54,904 in their early career. Mcdaniel College graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at Mcdaniel College

23

University Of Rhode Island came in at #23 for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. Located in the suburb of Kingston, University Of Rhode Island is a very large public university. University Of Rhode Island graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 22 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at University Of Rhode Island in the most recent data year. Graduates of the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program make about $57,884 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete this degree. Read more about the teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor program at University Of Rhode Island

24
Wilkes University crest
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wilkes University earned the #24 position for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Wilkes-Barre. About 63% of students finish within six years. Wilkes University awarded about 17 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Wilkes University generally make around $62,713. Typical student debt for the program is $26,601. More information about a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor from Wilkes University

25

Northeastern Illinois University placed #25 among the best teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. About 22% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern Illinois University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor degree recipients from Northeastern Illinois University generally make around $49,254. Northeastern Illinois University graduates carry a median of $17,600 in student loans. More information about a degree in teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor from Northeastern Illinois University

Rest of the Top 50 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor education:

26
Merrimack College crest
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA
27
Western Governors University crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
28
29
Mercy College crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
30
31
32
Dominican University crest
Dominican University
River Forest, IL
33
Hamline University crest
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN
34
35
36
37
38
39
Holy Family University crest
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA
40
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
41
Buena Vista University crest
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA
42
43
44
Rhode Island College crest
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI
45
Lesley University crest
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA
46
47
48
49
Biola University crest
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
50
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for teaching english as a second or foreign language/esl language instructor:

Other Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
Associate's Degrees in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
Bachelor's Degrees in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 451 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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