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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Oregon

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

Eastern Oregon University offers Teacher Education and Professional Development programs at just $15,987 net cost, making it the most affordable option among Oregon's 12 schools. This dramatic price difference matters in a state where teachers starting salaries vary widely across districts, from rural communities to Portland metro areas serving tech families. University of Portland graduates earn $42,012 annually but pay $36,371 in net costs, while Western Oregon University provides strong middle ground at $18,290 with $38,505 graduate earnings. Oregon's teacher shortage, particularly in STEM fields needed by companies like Intel and Nike, creates steady demand for qualified educators across all grade levels.
12
Programs
$15,987 – $36,371
Net Price Range
$37,626
Avg. Program Earnings
60.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 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 $18,290 $38,505 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
2 $16,470 $29,322 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
3 $27,341 $41,441 $49,530 65.2% 88.7%
4 $29,981 $36,848 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
5 $36,371 $42,012 $54,900 80.4% 92.5%
6 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
7 $23,866 $30,310 50.8% 53.4%
8 $23,520 $34,740 61.8% 66.9%
9 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
10 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
11 $18,818 $21,010 82.1% 72.3%
12 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Eastern Oregon University costs $15,987 while University of Portland costs $36,371, reflecting the public versus private divide. Private schools like Linfield and George Fox charge higher tuition but offer smaller class sizes and specialized teacher preparation tracks.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Oregon teacher education?

Warner Pacific University achieves an 82.1% graduation rate at $18,818 net cost, while Eastern Oregon University graduates only 36.6% of students despite being the cheapest option. Higher-cost private programs generally show stronger completion rates, with University of Portland reaching 80.4%.

Does earning potential justify the higher costs at private Oregon schools?

University of Portland graduates earn $42,012 annually, the highest among all programs, but pay $36,371 in net costs. Western Oregon University offers better value with $38,505 graduate earnings at just $18,290 net cost, creating a faster return on investment.

Where do Oregon teacher education graduates find the best job markets?

Portland metro districts pay higher salaries due to tech industry growth and cost of living, while rural areas offer loan forgiveness programs and housing incentives. Oregon's teacher shortage means 95% job placement rates across most regions within one year of graduation.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Rankings

Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in Oregon Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Under $20,000 in Oregon

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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.