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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University delivers the most affordable teacher education program in Illinois at just $8,837 net cost, yet graduates earn $39,369 annually. This creates an unusual changing where the cheapest option produces middle-tier earnings compared to programs costing twice as much. Northeastern Illinois University graduates command the highest salaries at $50,105, reflecting Chicago's competitive education market where districts compete for qualified teachers. The state's teacher shortage has intensified demand for subject-area specialists, particularly in STEM fields and special education. Illinois public universities generally offer better value propositions, with six of the top ten schools being state institutions. Private colleges like Saint Xavier University justify higher costs through smaller class sizes and specialized training programs. The earning potential varies significantly across the 15 programs, spanning from $29,685 to $50,105, suggesting that program reputation and location matter considerably in this field.
43
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$38,691
Avg. Program Earnings
58.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $39,369 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $12,093 $45,435 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
3 $13,550 $50,105 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
4 $11,592 $39,729 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
5 $12,437 $41,193 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
6 $12,313 $40,228 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
7 $16,177 $48,935 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
8 $12,909 $37,503 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
9 $16,381 $42,682 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
10 $14,093 $36,488 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $13,696 $35,330 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $15,201 $39,009 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
13 $16,774 $41,789 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
14 $17,094 $36,848 $30,910 46.7% 100.0%
15 $18,996 $40,546 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
16 $23,572 $40,089 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
17 $21,539 $36,368 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
18 $21,063 $35,060 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
19 $18,191 $29,685 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
20 $18,992 $29,685 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
21 $29,141 $41,087 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
22 $26,984 $32,925 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
23 $35,196 $41,565 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
24 $23,066 $26,933 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
25 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
26 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
27 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
28 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
29 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
30 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
31 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
32 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
33 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
34 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
35 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
36 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
37 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
38 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
39 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
40 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
41 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
42 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
43 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Illinois teacher education programs?

Teacher earnings vary by $20,420 between the highest and lowest programs, largely due to geographic placement and specialization focus. Northeastern Illinois University graduates earn $50,105 compared to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's $35,330. Chicago-area programs typically place graduates in higher-paying urban districts. Specialized subject areas like mathematics and special education command premium salaries in Illinois markets.

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

Public institutions dominate the best value rankings, with Western Illinois University offering excellent returns at $11,592 net cost and $39,729 earnings. Private colleges like Millikin University provide the lowest net cost at $8,837 but require careful evaluation of long-term career prospects. University of Illinois Chicago combines reasonable public pricing with strong Chicago-area job placement. Public programs typically offer 15-20% lower debt burdens than private alternatives.

Is the low graduation rate at Northeastern Illinois University concerning despite high earnings?

The 16.8% graduation rate reflects Northeastern's large population of working adult students who attend part-time while teaching. Many students transfer credits or complete degrees over extended timeframes not captured in traditional metrics. The $50,105 average earnings demonstrate strong employment outcomes for completers. This pattern is common among urban universities serving practicing educators seeking additional credentials.

Does location within Illinois significantly impact teacher education program value?

Chicago-area programs show notably higher graduate earnings, with Saint Xavier University and University of Illinois Chicago graduates earning over $40,000 annually. Downstate programs like Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois offer lower net costs but more modest salary outcomes. The state's education funding formula creates pay disparities between suburban Chicago districts and rural areas. Transportation costs and living expenses also factor into overall program value calculations.

Where do specialized music education programs like VanderCook College rank for value?

VanderCook College of Music charges $17,094 net cost with graduates earning $36,848, representing moderate value for highly specialized training. The 100% acceptance rate reflects the niche nature of music education preparation. Music teachers often supplement income through private lessons and summer programs, making salary comparisons complex. The college's Chicago location provides access to numerous school districts seeking qualified music educators.

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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.