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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College delivers an extraordinary value proposition for teacher education students, with a negative net cost of $52 meaning students actually receive money to attend. This reflects Florida's aggressive support for education programs through state aid and the Bright Futures scholarship system. The earnings gap across Florida's 15 teacher education programs spans nearly $9,000, from $34,381 at Northwest Florida State College to $43,018 at Florida Gulf Coast University. Public institutions dominate the field, with only Trinity International University representing private options at $5,455 net cost. Florida's teacher shortage, particularly acute in STEM fields and high-need districts, creates steady demand for education graduates. The state's tourism and aerospace industries also generate opportunities in corporate training and professional development roles. Community colleges like Chipola and Saint Johns River State College offer affordable entry points with graduation rates above 45%, while major universities like University of Florida and University of Central Florida provide full programs with stronger alumni networks but higher costs around $10,000 annually.
50
Programs
$-52 – $36,803
Net Price Range
$39,092
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 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 $-52 $41,565 $2,682 37.5%
2 $832 $34,908 $3,120 61.3%
3 $2,760 $39,369 $2,878 32.4%
4 $5,455 $36,560 $14,180
5 $6,351 $41,007 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
6 $5,554 $34,381 $3,246 42.9%
7 $5,808 $35,701 $2,830 45.7%
8 $7,201 $40,017 $3,106 41.2%
9 $8,001 $42,611 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
10 $8,249 $41,961 $3,401 38.5%
11 $9,133 $41,021 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
12 $8,155 $35,060 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
13 $10,319 $43,018 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
14 $10,043 $39,956 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
15 $10,650 $41,351 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
16 $10,353 $39,618 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
17 $10,997 $38,756 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
18 $12,310 $39,074 $2,710 44.0%
19 $15,847 $40,821 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
20 $18,675 $42,682 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
21 $18,467 $38,964 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
22 $21,318 $42,012 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
23 $21,007 $36,627 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
24 $22,527 $37,208 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
25 $29,664 $42,030 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
26 $19,273 $26,353 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
27 $31,303 $42,235 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
28 $33,847 $43,638 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
29 $30,209 $37,208 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
30 $32,751 $39,523 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
31 $35,634 $41,193 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
32 $29,951 $34,526 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
33 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
34 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
35 $33,952 $23,584 66.7% 83.7%
36 $4,443 $3,165 51.1%
37 $24,026 $14,742 49.7%
38 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
39 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
40 $21,283 $16,300 59.8%
41 $11,154 $2,563 52.1%
42 $9,027 $3,366 34.0%
43 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
44 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
45 $21,433 $3,074 34.9%
46 $2,915 $3,100 56.6%
47 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
48 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
49 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
50 $10,888 $9,068 60.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's teacher education program cost negative $52?

St Petersburg College students receive more financial aid than their total cost of attendance, creating a negative net cost. The combination of federal grants, state aid, and Florida's Bright Futures scholarships covers the $2,682 in-state tuition plus living expenses. This makes it essentially free to earn teaching credentials while receiving additional money for books and supplies. Graduates earn $41,565 on average, making this an strong return on investment.

How do graduation rates vary between community colleges and universities for teacher education?

Community college graduation rates range from 32% at Florida State College Jacksonville to 61% at Chipola College, reflecting different student populations and program structures. University graduation rates are significantly higher, with University of Florida reaching 91.5% and University of Central Florida at 75.1%. The gap reflects universities' full-time student focus versus community colleges serving more part-time and working students. However, community college graduates often transfer to complete bachelor's degrees elsewhere.

Is the $9,000 earnings difference between schools significant for teachers?

The earnings gap from $34,381 to $43,018 represents a 25% difference in starting salaries for Florida education graduates. Geographic location plays a major role, with Miami and Fort Myers programs typically leading to higher-paying districts. Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn the most at $43,018, while Northwest Florida State College graduates start at $34,381. This difference compounds over a career, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands in lifetime earnings.

Does University of Florida justify its higher cost for teacher education?

University of Florida charges $6,351 net cost but delivers strong outcomes with 91.5% graduation rates and $41,007 median earnings. The acceptance rate of 23.35% makes it highly selective, ensuring motivated students and strong peer networks. Graduates carry moderate debt of $14,757, well below the program average. The combination of academic reputation, alumni connections, and research opportunities often leads to leadership positions and administrative roles in education.

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

Florida's teacher shortage creates opportunities statewide, with particular demand in high-growth areas like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami-Dade. The aerospace industry around Cape Canaveral and healthcare systems throughout the state also hire education graduates for training and development roles. Disney and Universal Studios employ education majors in guest services and corporate training positions. Rural districts offer loan forgiveness programs and signing bonuses to attract qualified teachers to underserved areas.

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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.