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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Colorado

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Colorado State University Pueblo stands out with the state's lowest net cost at $12,948 for teacher education programs, while Colorado College commands $31,678 despite both serving the same career path. This $18,730 gap reflects broader choices facing future educators in Colorado, where districts like Denver Public Schools and Boulder Valley actively recruit teachers with competitive starting salaries. The state's 13 teacher preparation programs show earnings ranging from $29,202 to $36,290, with graduation rates spanning from Adams State's 31.60% to Colorado College's 86%. Colorado's teacher shortage, particularly in rural mountain districts, creates opportunities for graduates willing to work in communities from Fort Collins to Alamosa.
13
Programs
$12,948 – $31,678
Net Price Range
$33,175
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,339 $34,704 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
2 $20,332 $36,290 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
3 $18,457 $29,202 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
4 $22,689 $34,908 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
5 $25,458 $30,771 $39,266 55.3%
6 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
7 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
8 $21,480 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
9 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%
10 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
11 $28,862 $34,600 45.9% 100.0%
12 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
13 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide cost difference between Colorado's teacher education programs?

Public institutions like Colorado State University Pueblo charge $12,948 net cost compared to private Colorado College at $31,678. The Colorado Opportunity Fund helps reduce tuition for in-state students at public schools, while private institutions rely on institutional aid to manage costs.

How do graduation rates vary among Colorado teacher preparation programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from Adams State University's 31.60% to Colorado College's 86%. Colorado State University-Fort Collins achieves 66.90% while University of Northern Colorado reaches 51.30%, suggesting institutional support and student preparation levels vary significantly.

Is teacher education a financially viable career path in Colorado?

Graduates earn between $29,202 and $36,290, with Colorado State University-Fort Collins showing the highest at $36,290. Student debt ranges from $22,250 to $25,750 at reporting schools, making the career financially manageable with proper program selection.

Where do Colorado teacher education graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Colorado's growing population and teacher shortage create opportunities statewide, from Denver's urban districts to rural mountain communities. The state's tech sector growth in areas like Boulder and Fort Collins also increases demand for STEM-focused educators.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.