Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Mississippi

Teacher education programs in Mississippi reveal stark contrasts in value propositions. Rust College delivers the lowest net price at $8,751 while producing graduates earning $19,455, creating an unusual affordability scenario in a state facing teacher shortages. Meanwhile, Mississippi State University commands $15,501 in net costs but generates the highest earnings at $34,269 for graduates. The state's chronic educator shortage means strong job placement rates across all 14 programs, with major school districts like Jackson Public Schools and DeSoto County actively recruiting. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with seven institutions charging under $15,000 in net costs, making teacher preparation accessible in America's most affordable state.

Programs

$8,751 – $22,078

Net Price Range

$30,021

Avg. Program Earnings

45.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 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	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$33,535	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
2	Mississippi University for Women Columbus, Mississippi	$13,198	$32,051	$8,092	37.8%	99.1%
3	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$33,608	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
4	Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi	$8,751	$19,455	$13,840	27.0%	78.8%
5	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi	$15,501	$34,269	$9,815	62.9%	75.2%
6	William Carey University Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$17,052	$33,993	$14,685	40.8%	53.6%
7	Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi	$11,812	$19,592	$7,912	22.1%	64.8%
8	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	$20,911	$33,664	$21,698	62.8%	40.0%
9	Alcorn State University Alcorn State, Mississippi	$14,040		$8,549	46.2%	29.9%
10	Belhaven University Jackson, Mississippi	$22,078		$29,195	51.1%	42.6%
11	Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, Mississippi	$18,062		$19,280	51.2%	95.7%
12	Delta State University Cleveland, Mississippi	$13,778		$8,605	46.9%	98.6%
13	Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi	$20,191		$9,090	32.2%	88.6%
14	Tougaloo College Tougaloo, Mississippi	$15,663		$11,398	32.3%	49.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,327 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Rust College offers the lowest net price at $8,751 as a small private institution with significant financial aid, while Belhaven University charges $22,078 as a full private university. Public universities like Mississippi University for Women provide middle-ground options at $13,198, balancing affordability with program breadth.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable teacher education programs?

Among programs under $15,000, graduation rates span from 22.1% at Mississippi Valley State to 68.5% at University of Mississippi. Mississippi State achieves 62.9% despite charging $15,501, while several affordable options like Alcorn State maintain solid 46.2% completion rates.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment at higher-priced programs?

Mississippi State graduates earn $34,269 annually despite the $15,501 cost, creating strong return potential. However, University of Mississippi delivers nearly identical earnings at $33,535 with lower $13,164 costs, suggesting public flagship universities offer superior value propositions.

Where do Mississippi teacher education graduates find the strongest job markets?

The state's teacher shortage creates opportunities statewide, with growing districts like DeSoto County and established systems like Jackson Public Schools actively hiring. Rural districts offer loan forgiveness programs, while coastal areas near Ingalls Shipbuilding provide additional employment stability for education families.

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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.