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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Northern Iowa delivers strong value for future educators with a net price of just $14,609 while producing graduates who earn $38,538 annually. This represents one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios among Iowa's teacher education programs, where net costs range from $14,609 to $30,042 across 20 institutions. The state's agricultural economy and major employers like Principal Financial create steady demand for skilled teachers who can connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Iowa State University follows closely behind at $18,165 net cost with graduates earning $40,322, highlighting how public institutions dominate the value market. Private colleges like Coe College command higher net prices at $19,155 but deliver the highest graduate earnings at $42,235. Iowa's low cost of living amplifies these value propositions, allowing new teachers to stretch their starting salaries further than in most states. The 68.90% graduation rate at UNI demonstrates solid completion rates despite the affordable pricing.
27
Programs
$12,904 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$37,532
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 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 $14,609 $38,538 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $40,322 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $19,155 $42,235 $52,576 59.0%
4 $18,321 $37,819 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
5 $15,975 $30,460 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
6 $21,616 $38,721 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
7 $22,231 $39,729 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
8 $23,169 $40,728 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
9 $22,353 $38,721 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
10 $22,604 $38,829 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
11 $22,750 $38,289 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
12 $23,435 $39,009 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
13 $21,057 $34,847 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
14 $21,590 $35,416 $35,534 49.4%
15 $23,172 $36,992 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
16 $23,250 $37,088 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
17 $25,635 $38,559 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
18 $25,383 $34,746 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
19 $30,042 $39,909 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
20 $25,079 $29,685 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
21 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
22 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
23 $17,819 $19,530 61.1% 52.5%
24 $12,904 $20,000 81.7% 100.0%
25 $21,683 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
26 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
27 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the top value for teacher education in Iowa?

UNI combines the lowest net price at $14,609 with strong graduate earnings of $38,538, creating an outstanding return on investment. The university maintains a 68.90% graduation rate and 94.95% acceptance rate, making quality teacher preparation accessible to most applicants. Students graduate with moderate debt of $23,200, well below the state average for education programs.

How do Iowa's public universities compare to private colleges for teacher education value?

Public universities dominate the value rankings with UNI at $14,609 and Iowa State at $18,165 net costs. Private institutions like Coe College charge $19,155 but deliver higher graduate earnings of $42,235. The gap between public in-state tuition ($9,728-$10,497) and private tuition ($33,220-$52,576) creates significant cost differences for Iowa residents.

Is teacher education employment strong in Iowa's job market?

Iowa's economy relies heavily on agriculture and insurance sectors that value educational expertise for training and development roles. Major employers like Principal Financial and John Deere require skilled professionals who can teach complex concepts effectively. Graduate earnings ranging from $29,685 to $42,235 reflect steady demand for education professionals across the state.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Iowa teacher education?

Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from 38.30% at lower-cost Graceland University to 75.50% at Iowa State. UNI achieves a strong 68.90% graduation rate despite offering the lowest net price at $14,609. Private colleges like Central College reach 69.20% completion rates, suggesting institutional support matters more than price alone.

Where can education majors find the best debt-to-income ratios in Iowa?

Iowa State University offers the most favorable debt-to-income ratio with $22,529 in average debt and $40,322 in graduate earnings. UNI follows closely with $23,200 debt against $38,538 earnings, creating manageable repayment scenarios. Coe College graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,235 but carry $27,000 in debt, still maintaining a reasonable ratio.

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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.