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Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Kansas

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

Washburn University stands out among Kansas teacher education programs with graduates earning $42,682 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $13,046. This puts the Topeka school ahead of both larger state universities and private institutions in return on investment. The earnings gap between highest and lowest-performing programs spans nearly $10,000, with Fort Hays State graduates starting at $32,925 despite the program's low $13,493 net cost. Kansas faces teacher shortages across rural districts, making these education programs particularly valuable as the state works to staff its 286 school districts. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with six of the top seven schools offering in-state tuition under $12,000. Private institutions like Friends University charge over $32,000 but struggle to match the earning power of their public counterparts. The state's agricultural economy and aerospace sector create demand for specialized teachers in STEM fields, while rural communities actively recruit education graduates with competitive starting packages.
20
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$37,844
Avg. Program Earnings
47.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,046 $42,682 $9,578 52.6%
2 $13,776 $40,635 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
3 $13,493 $32,925 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
4 $15,702 $36,272 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
5 $17,365 $38,289 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
6 $17,883 $38,529 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
7 $18,889 $35,975 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
8 $25,752 $36,992 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
9 $29,203 $38,289 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
10 $29,520 $37,856 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
11 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
12 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
13 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
14 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
15 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
16 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
17 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
18 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
19 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
20 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washburn University the top value for teacher education in Kansas?

Washburn delivers the highest graduate earnings at $42,682 while keeping net costs at $13,046, creating the best return on investment in the state. The Topeka campus benefits from proximity to state education offices and policy centers. Graduates can access state teaching positions while building connections with Kansas Department of Education officials who shape curriculum standards.

How do public and private teacher education programs compare in Kansas?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with all six major state schools maintaining net costs under $18,889. Private institutions charge $19,868 to $29,520 but typically produce lower earnings, with only Friends University graduates reaching $36,992. The graduation rate gap also favors public schools, with Kansas State achieving 70.50% compared to private school averages around 35%.

Does location within Kansas affect teacher education program outcomes?

Urban campuses in Wichita, Topeka, and Lawrence consistently outperform rural programs in both earnings and graduation rates. Wichita State graduates earn $40,635 while benefiting from the city's varied school districts for student teaching placements. Rural programs like Fort Hays State offer lower costs at $13,493 but produce graduates earning $32,925, reflecting smaller district salary scales.

What teacher shortage areas create the best job prospects in Kansas?

Mathematics, science, and special education teachers face the highest demand across Kansas school districts. The state's aerospace industry around Wichita drives need for qualified STEM educators, while rural districts actively recruit with signing bonuses and loan forgiveness programs. Elementary education remains stable with consistent openings as veteran teachers retire.

Is the earnings range worth considering when choosing a Kansas teacher education program?

The $9,757 gap between highest and lowest earning programs reflects both program quality and geographic job markets. Washburn and Wichita State graduates command higher salaries due to urban district placement and specialized training opportunities. However, lower-earning programs like Fort Hays State offer dramatically reduced costs, making them viable for debt-conscious students entering rural districts.

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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.