Skip to main content

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Holy Family University stands out among Pennsylvania's teacher education programs with a net price of just $12,251 despite being private, while public alternatives like West Chester University charge $22,673. This pricing reversal challenges typical expectations about public versus private education costs. Pennsylvania's education sector benefits from the state's commitment to K-12 funding, with districts like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offering competitive starting salaries that align well with program outcomes. Graduates across these 15 programs earn between $26,585 and $42,309, with Elizabethtown College leading at $41,441 despite its higher net price of $26,198. The state's teacher shortage, particularly in STEM and special education, creates steady demand for qualified educators. Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers strong value at $17,216 net cost with graduates earning $39,741, while maintaining a 92% acceptance rate. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps reduce costs for residents, making public options like East Stroudsburg particularly affordable at $15,089 net price.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$33,432
Avg. Program Earnings
63.9%
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 $12,251 $37,748 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $17,216 $39,741 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $15,089 $30,988 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $22,673 $40,776 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
5 $20,231 $36,308 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
6 $19,685 $32,563 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
7 $21,043 $34,298 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
8 $21,205 $34,348 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
9 $19,524 $31,236 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
10 $16,630 $26,585 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
11 $20,748 $32,925 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
12 $26,198 $41,441 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
13 $23,331 $36,848 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
14 $17,034 $26,585 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
15 $23,553 $36,118 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
16 $27,141 $41,565 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
17 $28,132 $42,309 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
18 $27,686 $40,621 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
19 $23,281 $33,993 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
20 $22,909 $32,925 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
21 $26,539 $37,424 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
22 $18,952 $26,585 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
23 $21,972 $30,771 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $29,219 $40,068 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
25 $28,329 $37,568 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
26 $30,528 $38,289 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
27 $24,829 $31,038 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
28 $22,558 $27,765 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
29 $20,822 $25,194 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
30 $25,885 $31,314 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
31 $21,873 $26,353 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
32 $24,791 $29,685 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
33 $22,870 $27,295 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
34 $30,470 $35,594 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
35 $35,487 $39,729 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
36 $27,499 $30,771 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
37 $23,206 $25,580 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
38 $29,944 $32,925 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
39 $30,465 $32,925 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
40 $29,464 $31,495 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
41 $34,978 $34,942 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
42 $38,428 $35,988 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
43 $30,074 $26,585 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
44 $29,577 $25,194 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
45 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
46 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
47 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
48 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
49 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
50 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Holy Family University's unusually low net price for a private institution?

Holy Family University's $12,251 net price reflects substantial institutional aid that brings costs below most public alternatives. The university targets working adults and first-generation college students with need-based assistance. This makes it the most affordable option among all 15 Pennsylvania teacher education programs, despite a sticker price of $33,968.

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

Elizabethtown College achieves the highest graduation rate at 77.1% with a $26,198 net price, while University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg has only a 39.6% rate at $17,034. Public universities generally show lower completion rates, with East Stroudsburg at 43.8% despite affordable costs. The correlation suggests that higher-priced programs often provide more student support services.

Is the earnings gap between highest and lowest programs significant for new teachers?

The $15,724 difference between Elizabethtown College graduates earning $41,441 and University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates earning $26,585 represents substantial variation. This gap often reflects geographic placement, with graduates in suburban Philadelphia and Pittsburgh districts earning more. However, loan debt remains consistent around $27,000 across most programs, making earnings differences more meaningful for long-term financial outcomes.

Does Pennsylvania's teacher shortage affect job prospects for program graduates?

Pennsylvania faces critical shortages in special education, mathematics, and science teaching positions, creating strong demand for qualified graduates. The state's retirement wave among baby boomer teachers opens additional positions annually. Districts offer signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs to attract candidates, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh where starting salaries exceed $45,000.

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

Suburban districts around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer the highest salaries, often starting above $40,000 with strong benefits packages. Rural districts may start lower but offer faster advancement and housing incentives. Charter schools provide alternative pathways, while Pennsylvania's reciprocity agreements with neighboring states expand job options. The state's varied geography creates opportunities from urban centers to rural communities.

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

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

Related

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in Pennsylvania

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.