At Teacher Certification Degrees, we strive to help potential teachers reach their educational goals by finding the teaching preparation school that is best for them. With so many options out there, choosing a teaching school can be tricky. We’ve researched the top education schools and programs for prospective teachers using a variety of metrics so that you can quickly and easily read about each one below and then visit the websites of the ones that interest you most later.
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with education programs.
If you would like to research the best education schools near you, click on your state below. On each state school page, you will find school profiles, top-rated teacher preparation programs, and a directory of teaching schools in your state.
We researched the top schools in the US with an on-campus undergraduate teacher preparation program to come up with our best values list below. To make our list, a school had to have a high graduation rate of 80% or higher and a low net price of less than $20,000 per year. A high graduation rate at a college or university is a traditional marker of student success, while a low net price is an important factor for most people. In the table below, we have included these as well as other quality markers, including retention rate, transfer out rate, student loan default rate, and the percentage of faculty with tenure. We’ve also included national and regional rankings from US News & World Report. Click on the header to sort the table by any given value. Some schools are profiled across our site; click on a linked school name to view the profile.
School | Grad Rate1 | Retention Rate*1 | Transfer Out Rate**1 | Student Loan Default Rate1 | % Tenured Faculty2 | US News National Rank3 | US News Regional Rank4 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 84% | 94% | N.Av. | 2.5% | 51% | #59 tie | NR | $9,443 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 91% | 96% | 3% | 1.5% | 43% | #30 tie | #34 tie | $11,100 |
| Brigham Young University-Provo | 83% | 90% | N.Av. | 1.3% | 46% | #66 tie | NR | $12,979 |
| University of California-Irvine | 85% | 94% | N.Av. | 1.9% | 57% | #33 tie | NR | $13,944 |
| Principia College | 84% | 88% | N.Av. | N.Av. | 0% | NR | NR | $14,300 |
| University of California-San Diego | 85% | 94% | N.Av. | 2.1% | 55% | #41 tie | NR | $14,616 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | 91% | 97% | 4% | 1.8% | 48% | #19 tie | NR | $14,760 |
| University of Florida | 88% | 96% | 3% | 1.9% | 52% | #35 tie | NR | $15,283 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 87% | 95% | N.Av. | 1.7% | 49% | #49 tie | #43 tie | $15,910 |
| University of Georgia | 85% | 95% | 6% | 2.4% | 54% | #46 tie | #34 tie | $15,934 |
| University of Delaware | 82% | 91% | N.Av. | 2.8% | 57% | #89 tie | NR | $16,286 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 92% | 97% | N.Av. | 1.5% | 35% | #27 tie | #19 | $16,408 |
| University of California-Davis | 85% | 93% | N.Av. | 2.0% | 57% | #38 tie | #24 tie | $16,446 |
| Florida State University | 80% | 94% | 7% | 3.4% | 43% | #70 tie | #52 tie | $16,450 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 85% | 92% | N.Av. | 2.2% | 51% | #46 tie | #43 tie | $16,638 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | 80% | 93% | 12% | 2.0% | 59% | #76 tie | NR | $16,808 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | 85% | 96% | 5% | 2.1% | 44% | #63 tie | NR | $17,241 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 83% | 94% | 10% | 5.0% | 45% | #56 tie | NR | $18,042 |
| University of Connecticut | 83% | 94% | 12% | 2.5% | 39% | #63 tie | NR | $18,699 |
| Clemson University | 82% | 93% | 6% | 1.9% | 47% | #66 tie | #16 tie | $18,757 |
Notes:
All data is based on undergraduate statistics.
*The retention rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who continued to a second year of study at the same institution.
**The transfer out rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who transferred their credits to another institution within 150% of the normal time to complete their degree.
Niche has ranked the best colleges for teachers and educators in the US based on factors such as admissions statistics, percent of students majoring in education, and education test scores.5
US News & World Report has ranked the best schools with graduate education programs, which is based on a survey of peer institutions.6
We have ranked the best schools with online and hybrid master’s in education programs based on factors like tuition per online credit hour, the number of students enrolled in distance education classes, and accreditation from CAEP, TEAC, or NCATE. The following list represents the top 10 schools in our ranking. You can see our full list on our online master’s in education guide.
US News & World Report has also ranked the best schools with online graduate education programs, which is based on a survey of peer institutions. The most recent ranking available is the 2021 list.7
Admission requirements vary by school, so you will need to check with each school you are interested in to find out more. Typically, undergraduate education programs require a high school diploma or GED with a minimum grade point average, in addition to letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and transcripts. Schools offering graduate teacher preparation programs usually require an undergraduate degree from an accredited school, which may or may not have to be related to education or your teaching subject of choice. Prospective students applying to graduate school may need to submit transcripts from undergraduate school, GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
The cost of attending a teacher preparation school will depend on a variety of factors. For example, in-state students will typically pay less than out-of-state students; undergraduate programs may be cheaper than graduate programs; online education programs may cost less than traditional ones; and public schools may be more affordable than private schools. Keep in mind that these are trends, not hard and fast rules, so make sure you check with the school(s) of your choice to see what they charge students for tuition and other fees. Also, be sure to check with each teaching school’s financial aid department to see what types of loans, grants, or other financial assistance you may be eligible for. Finally, don’t forget to factor in additional costs, like room and board (if you are going to live on campus), textbooks, parking, and other fees.
While each teacher preparation program will vary depending on the school, the program, and the emphasis, following is a list of typical courses in education that may be offered as part of an education program.
An important part of choosing an education school is accreditation. First of all, the school you choose should be regionally accredited, as this is a mark of quality education and also a qualifier for receiving federal financial aid. You should make sure the school you choose is accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting agencies in the country, divided into six regions:
In addition to regional accreditation, it is also important to choose a school that has been recognized by an organization such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which is widely recognized for evaluating and accrediting teacher education programs. You can read more about the history of CAEP on our online guide.
Dallas Baptist University is a private institution that was founded over a century ago. With a total undergraduate enrollment size of fewer than 3,500 students, DBU integrates faith into all aspects of academics and student life. Courses in the Early Childhood through Grade 6 Generalist Teacher Certification program include Development of Infants, Children & Adolescents, Best Practices in Teaching, Pedagogy of Science, and Diagnosing and Correcting Reading Difficulties. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in early childhood education, as well as a variety of related master’s programs.
Texas A&M’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) was established in 1969 and boasts that many of their graduates take on leadership roles at the schools where they teach. The college is among the top five for producing teachers who specialize in high-needs fields like bilingual education and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math subjects (STEM). The school’s certification programs in EC-Grade 6 Generalist, Middle Grades 4-8 Language Arts/Social Studies, and Middle Grades 4-8 Math/Science all award a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (INST) and require graduates to complete between 122-127 required credit hours. A STEM minor is also offered, which requires 18 credit hours to achieve.
Lipscomb University is a private college that was founded in 1891 and has a total undergraduate student population of fewer than 3,000 students. It is accredited by NCATE as well as the Tennessee State Board of Education, and it was one of 27 schools to earn an A+ rating (for selection and diversity) from the NCTQ. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the area of secondary education. Secondary education students are expected to select one of the 24 different content subject area certification options as a specialty. Some more focused areas of study include Interdisciplinary Teaching, Pre K-3 Licensure, Special Education Interventionist K-8, and Interdisciplinary Non-teaching.
Ohio Wesleyan University offers multiple undergraduate degrees in education, including early childhood education, middle childhood education, special education, and integrated science for teachers, Ohio Wesleyan’s secondary education major is focused on imparting competency to teach grades four to nine. Providing students with a balance of theory and practical experience, this degree program requires a mix of liberal arts and professional education coursework. Students pursuing their middle childhood education license must specialize in two areas of concentration, including reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development offers Master’s of Education (MEds) in English Language Learners, Reading Education, Learning and Design, and Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies. The Peabody College is fully accredited through NCATE and many of its programs have been consistently ranked among the top education schools in the nation, including its MEd program. To be considered for admission into the graduate program at Peabody, submit an online application, transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and recent GRE scores. All MEd students will take the same core courses, a major, and electives, to complete a total of 31 semester hours.
Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE) has been in existence for nearly 100 years. HGSE offers students an array of degree programs including 13 distinct master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, and several professional education programs. The school had just under 1,000 degree-seeking students in the 2013-2014 academic year. Courses offered are practical in nature and focus on leadership. Courses of instruction include Learning from Practice, Leading through Difference, Politics and Education Policy in the US, Teacher and Teaching Quality, Building a Democratic School, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning, and Planning and Strategy in Education. To apply to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, you will need to submit an online application, resume/CV, Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, transcripts, and a fee. Areas of study include Arts in Education, Education Policy and Management, Human Development and Psychology, and International Education Policy, among others.
Established in 2007, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education (SOE) offers a variety of programs that focus on education for children and adults alike. The school offers doctoral programs, master’s programs, and graduate certificate programs, and typically enrolls around 2,000 students. The SOE’s MAT program consists of 39 credits and prepares students for initial certification in the state of Maryland, as well as most other states, in the category of elementary or secondary education. The MAT program is designed for recent graduates and career-changing professionals who want to become teachers.
Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) offers a Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP), which is built on core values including promoting social justice, understanding in a diverse student population, and dedication to equality for all students. STEP is committed to preparing graduates for practical and intellectual challenges of the profession. The school is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teachers of Education (NCATE). Stanford offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs for educators. The Graduate School of Education’s 12-month full-time STEP program offers areas of study in Elementary Education or Secondary Education, which includes subcategories in English, History/Social Science, Math, Science, or Languages.
Michigan State University offers a Master of Arts in Education (MAED), a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC), a Master of Arts in Educational Technology (MAET), a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Analysis, a Master of Arts in Special Education, and an Educational Psychology and Educational Technology (EPET) Hybrid program that can be completed fully online. The MAED is open to current educators who would like to enhance their practice with coursework in teaching, learning, and leadership in P-12 schools. Concentrations are offered in Special Education, Sport Coaching and Leadership, Technology and Learning, P-12 School and Postsecondary Leadership, Literacy Education, and Science and Mathematics Education. In addition to the master’s programs, Graduate Certificates are also offered, in Online Teaching and Learning and Teaching and Learning in Postsecondary Education, among others.
Clemson University in South Carolina offers a Master of Education (MEd) in Teaching and Learning that is offered 100% online and geared towards current K-12 teachers. Clemson’s MEd takes just 18 months to complete, and students can specialize in STEAM, Experiential Learning for Early Childhood, or Instructional Coaching. Students must complete 18 hours of core pedagogical coursework and 12 hours of specialization courses in an asynchronous learning environment. Clemson also offers an MEd in Administration and Supervision and an MEd in Literacy that can both be completed fully online.
The University of Florida offers several teacher preparation programs online, including an EdD in Teachers, Schools, and Society, an MEd in Reading Education, and an MEd and EdD in Educational Leadership, as well as certificate programs in Early Childhood Education, Secondary Teaching Preparation, and Educational Technology (which includes certificates in K-12 Teaching with Technology, Instructional Design, Managing Distance Education Environments, and Online Teaching and Learning). The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is offered fully online and comprises 12 credit hours, while the MEd in Reading comprises 36 credit hours and students can pursue it either online or on campus in a traditional format.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers several teacher preparation programs that can be completed 100% online. Among the online program options are a Doctor of Education in Leadership, an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, and Post-master’s Certificates in Educational Leadership, Reading Specialist, and Special Education, K-12 Teaching. The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is aimed at veteran teachers, offers concentrations in instructional technology, online teaching, and teaching and learning, and is comprised of 33 credit hours. The fully online Certificate in Special Education, K-12 Teaching is offered to conditional and provisionally licensed special educators in the Virginia school system and comprises 27 credit hours.
Question: Should I attend a teaching school online?
Answer: There are many choices for people considering attending a teacher preparation program, including traditional, on-campus programs and online teacher preparation programs. Online schools offer a range of programs, including four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs, Master of Education (MEd) programs, and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs. The choice of which type of school you go to depends on your unique needs. If you are self-motivated and have restraints keeping you from attending a traditional program, an online teaching school may be a good fit for you. Read more about online educator preparation programs on our Online Teaching Degree Programs Resource. To find out more about online master’s teaching degrees, read our Online Master’s in Education Programs page.
Question: What types of master’s degrees are offered by schools of education?
Answer: In the field of education, there are two primary types of master’s programs. First, there is the Master of Education (MEd or EdM), which is commonly for existing teachers or administrators seeking a specialization to improve their career path and opportunities for advancement. Second, there is the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), which is primarily for those possessing a degree in a field unrelated to teaching who are looking to change careers to the teaching field. These programs give aspiring teachers the curriculum, field experience, and certification they need in a given state.
Question: Why should I go to teaching preparation school?
Answer: If you are interested in becoming a teacher, you will likely need to go to some kind of teaching preparation school as part of your training and to prepare you to get certified to teach in your state. You can read more about the process of becoming a teacher and what to expect on our Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a Teacher.
Question: What type of degree should I pursue at my teaching school?
Answer: The type of degree you should pursue at teacher preparation school depends on a variety of factors, including your teaching background, educational background, and your goals. Typically, people who are new to the teaching field will choose a four-year degree in education or in the field in which they want to teach. Those who already have an undergraduate degree in another subject and want to become teachers or existing teachers who want to specialize in a certain subject will typically pursue a master’s degree in teaching. You can read more about the different types of education degrees available on our Degrees page.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/
3. US News & World Report Best National University Rankings 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
4. US News & World Report Best Regional University Rankings 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities
5. Niche Best Colleges for Education in America 2022: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-education/
6. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings
7. US News & World Report Best Online Master’s in Education Programs 2021: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
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