Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Georgia

Dalton State College stands out among Georgia's teacher preparation programs with its remarkably low $4,694 net cost, making quality education accessible while graduates still earn $32,467 annually. This affordability advantage reflects across the state's public institutions, where net costs range from under $5,000 to $18,809, creating pathways for future educators without crushing debt burdens. Georgia's teacher education programs directly serve the state's expanding economy, as districts recruit educators to support growing communities around Atlanta's tech corridor and throughout rural counties experiencing population shifts. The University of Georgia demonstrates the premium education option with its 87.20% graduation rate, while schools like Gordon State College maintain open access with 93.32% acceptance rates. Clayton State University graduates command the highest early-career earnings at $41,937, reflecting the strong demand for qualified teachers in metro Atlanta's competitive school districts. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship further reduces costs for residents maintaining strong academic performance, making these already affordable programs even more accessible to aspiring teachers who will shape the next generation in classrooms from the mountains to the coast.

Programs

$4,694 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$36,312

Avg. Program Earnings

43.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

40 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	Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia	$4,694	$32,467	$3,283	29.6%
2	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$41,937	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
3	Gordon State College Barnesville, Georgia	$8,918	$34,111	$3,475	17.3%	93.3%
4	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609	$41,007	$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
5	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$37,247	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
6	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696	$37,856	$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
7	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$35,274	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
8	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$34,081	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
9	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$38,424	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
10	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$33,053	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
11	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$36,533	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
12	College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Georgia	$12,905	$35,060	$3,483	25.6%	98.3%
13	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$41,268	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
14	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922	$34,399	$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
15	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$34,526	$5,934	22.8%
16	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$35,711	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
17	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$39,210	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
18	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$36,992	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
19	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$37,241	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
20	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$39,523	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
21	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568	$40,747	$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
22	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786	$38,289	$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
23	Thomas University Thomasville, Georgia	$19,313	$33,637	$11,640	27.8%	46.1%
24	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$35,249	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
25	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$37,349	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
26	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752	$33,565	$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
27	Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia	$22,328	$35,060	$25,568	41.1%	80.8%
28	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832	$32,925	$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
29	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769	$29,685	$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
30	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115	$36,941	$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
31	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683		$5,498	25.2%
32	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828		$30,058	76.1%	28.4%
33	Paine College Augusta, Georgia	$15,074		$14,596	21.7%	51.5%
34	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133		$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
35	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949		$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
36	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528		$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
37	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805		$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
38	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008		$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
39	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297		$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
40	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983		$21,696	23.5%	94.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College such an strong value for teacher education?

Dalton State College offers the lowest net cost at $4,694 among Georgia's teacher education programs, with in-state tuition of just $3,283. Graduates earn $32,467 annually while carrying moderate debt loads of $15,700. The school maintains a 29.60% graduation rate while providing affordable access to quality teacher preparation in North Georgia.

How do graduation rates vary among Georgia's teacher education programs?

The University of Georgia leads with an impressive 87.20% graduation rate, reflecting its selective 42.55% acceptance rate and higher academic standards. Fort Valley State University follows at 45.20%, while Georgia State University achieves 53.70% despite serving a larger urban population. Several schools like Gordon State College maintain lower graduation rates around 17.30% but offer open access to teacher education.

Where do teacher education graduates earn the highest starting salaries in Georgia?

Clayton State University graduates earn the top starting salaries at $41,937, followed closely by Fort Valley State University at $41,007 and Georgia State University at $41,268. These higher earnings often reflect placement in metro Atlanta districts where cost of living is higher but compensation packages remain competitive. Rural-serving programs like Georgia Southwestern show lower starting salaries around $33,053.

Is the HOPE Scholarship worth considering for teacher education students?

The HOPE Scholarship significantly reduces already low in-state tuition costs across Georgia's public institutions. With in-state tuition ranging from $3,283 at Dalton State to $11,180 at the University of Georgia, maintaining a 3.0 GPA can make teacher education nearly free at many schools. This financial support helps future educators avoid excessive debt while preparing for careers in public service.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in Georgia teacher education?

Georgia's teacher education programs show varying selectivity, from the University of Georgia's competitive 42.55% acceptance rate to Middle Georgia State's nearly open 99.71% acceptance. Fort Valley State balances selectivity at 43.09% acceptance with strong outcomes including 45.20% graduation rates and $41,007 starting salaries. Open-access schools like Gordon State provide opportunities for non-traditional students while maintaining program standards.

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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.