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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Florida

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

Florida's Teacher Education and Professional Development programs reveal a striking cost advantage that directly translates to career value. Indian River State College delivers the strongest return with graduates earning $39,523 annually while students pay just $5,202 net cost. This represents an earnings-to-cost ratio of nearly 8:1, far exceeding national averages. The state's public institutions dominate the value equation, with eight schools charging under $11,000 net cost while producing graduates earning between $33,216 and $45,305. Florida's education sector benefits from the state's rapid population growth, creating consistent demand for teachers across K-12 and professional development roles. The absence of state income tax amplifies these earning advantages, while Bright Futures scholarships can reduce costs even further for qualifying students. Private options like Florida Southern College cost $29,664 but maintain competitive graduate outcomes at 69.30%. The data shows a clear pattern where Florida's public colleges provide strong preparation for education careers without the debt burden common in other states.
37
Programs
$-52 – $36,803
Net Price Range
$39,551
Avg. Program Earnings
55.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,202 $39,523 $2,764 42.5%
2 $6,351 $41,193 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $8,249 $45,305 $3,401 38.5%
4 $8,001 $42,682 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
5 $8,155 $40,896 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
6 $10,319 $44,835 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
7 $10,043 $39,564 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
8 $10,353 $39,189 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
9 $10,997 $41,527 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
10 $10,650 $33,216 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
11 $9,133 $25,856 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
12 $29,664 $40,821 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
13 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
14 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
15 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
16 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
17 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
18 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
19 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
20 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
21 $5,554 $3,246 42.9%
22 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
23 $10,888 $9,068 60.7%
24 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
25 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
26 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
27 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
28 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
29 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
30 $22,527 $18,920 50.6% 71.7%
31 $29,951 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
32 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
33 $7,201 $3,106 41.2%
34 $832 $3,120 61.3%
35 $20,077 $2,830 36.1%
36 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
37 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indian River State College the top value for teacher education in Florida?

Indian River State College combines the lowest net cost at $5,202 with strong graduate earnings of $39,523, creating an 8:1 earnings-to-cost ratio. The college maintains a 42.50% graduation rate while keeping in-state tuition at just $2,764. This Fort Pierce institution provides direct pathways into Florida's growing education sector without significant debt burden.

How do Florida's public universities compare in cost and earnings for education majors?

Florida's public universities cluster between $5,202 and $10,997 in net costs, with graduate earnings ranging from $33,216 to $45,305. University of Florida offers the highest graduation rate at 91.50% for $6,351 net cost, while Florida SouthWestern State College graduates earn the most at $45,305. All public options provide substantially better value than private alternatives.

Is the earnings gap significant between the highest and lowest-earning education graduates?

Education graduates in Florida see a $19,449 earnings spread, from $25,856 at Florida International University to $45,305 at Florida SouthWestern State College. This variation often reflects specialization areas and geographic placement within the state's varied education market. The median earnings around $40,000 align well with Florida's cost of living and tax advantages.

Does attending a private college improve job prospects for education majors in Florida?

Private colleges cost significantly more, with Florida Southern College at $29,664 net cost versus public alternatives under $11,000. However, graduation rates show mixed results, with Florida Southern at 69.30% compared to University of Florida's 91.50%. The earnings data suggests public institutions provide better career preparation per dollar invested.

Where do Florida education graduates find the best job markets after graduation?

Florida's rapid population growth creates consistent demand for educators across metro areas like Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida. The state's tourism industry also drives corporate training opportunities, while aerospace companies like those near Cape Canaveral need specialized instructional staff. Florida SouthWestern State College graduates earning $45,305 reflect strong regional demand in the Fort Myers area.

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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.