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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Alabama

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

Teacher education programs in Alabama show striking cost differences, with Stillman College offering the lowest net price at $12,272 while Tuskegee University reaches $32,977. This $20,705 gap reflects varying approaches to preparing educators for Alabama's evolving job market, where aerospace manufacturers like Airbus and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center create demand for specialized STEM teachers. Troy University delivers strong value with a $13,869 net cost and $38,289 graduate earnings, while Huntingdon College produces the highest-earning graduates at $40,089 despite its higher price point. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, with seven schools under $18,000 in net costs. The state's 19 programs serve different student populations, from Auburn's selective 44% acceptance rate to Troy's accessible 95% admission standard.
19
Programs
$12,272 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$33,834
Avg. Program Earnings
51.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,869 $38,289 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
2 $13,832 $37,054 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
3 $14,850 $35,060 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
4 $15,142 $32,162 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
5 $14,559 $27,497 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
6 $21,401 $40,089 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
7 $17,727 $29,882 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
8 $23,897 $35,653 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
9 $22,150 $28,816 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
10 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
11 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
12 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
13 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
14 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
15 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
16 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
17 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
18 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
19 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Alabama teacher education graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $27,497 at Alabama A&M to $40,089 at Huntingdon College, a difference of $12,592. Huntingdon's private liberal arts environment and small class sizes may contribute to higher placement rates in better-paying districts. Troy University graduates earn $38,289 despite the school's lower costs, suggesting strong industry connections. Geographic factors also matter, as graduates working near urban centers or specialized employers like NASA typically command higher salaries.

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

Private schools show mixed value propositions in Alabama's teacher education market. Stillman College offers the lowest net price at $12,272, even beating most public options. However, Samford University costs $30,795 while producing graduates with unknown earnings data. Public universities like Troy and University of West Alabama provide consistent value under $14,000 net cost. The key difference lies in graduation rates, where private institutions average around 50-65% compared to public schools ranging from 29% to 79%.

Is Alabama A&M University worth considering despite lower graduate earnings?

Alabama A&M's $27,497 graduate earnings are the lowest among reporting schools, but the $14,559 net cost keeps debt manageable. The 29% graduation rate raises concerns about program completion support. However, as an HBCU, Alabama A&M serves specific student populations and maintains important regional connections. Students should weigh the affordable entry cost against potential career limitations and consider transfer options if academic support seems insufficient.

Where do Auburn and Alabama rank for teacher education value despite their reputations?

Auburn commands $23,897 in net costs with $35,653 graduate earnings, while Alabama costs $22,150 with $28,816 earnings. Auburn's 79% graduation rate justifies its higher price better than Alabama's 74% rate. Both schools carry prestige that can open doors, but Troy University delivers similar earnings at $10,000 less cost. For teacher education specifically, the flagship universities' brand names may matter less than program quality and field experience opportunities.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

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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.