Skip to main content

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Boston University stands apart in Massachusetts teacher education programs with graduates earning $42,682 annually despite a net cost of $26,996, delivering the strongest return on investment in the state. This premium reflects the school's position in Boston's education center, where public schools actively recruit from local universities to fill specialized teaching positions in STEM and arts education. The earnings gap between Boston University graduates and those from Berklee College of Music spans nearly $13,000, highlighting how program focus affects career outcomes. Massachusetts public universities like Bridgewater State offer teacher preparation at $17,970 net cost with graduates earning $34,704, creating accessible pathways into education careers. The state's teacher shortage in math, science, and special education has increased demand for qualified educators, particularly in Greater Boston districts where starting salaries often exceed state averages. Most programs show graduation rates between 54% and 90%, with private institutions generally posting higher completion numbers.
24
Programs
$14,590 – $50,404
Net Price Range
$35,587
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,970 $34,704 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
2 $26,996 $42,682 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
3 $23,764 $32,563 $14,960 69.2% 78.6%
4 $31,805 $38,289 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
5 $46,766 $35,600 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%
6 $50,404 $29,685 $50,270 66.3% 54.2%
7 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
8 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
9 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
10 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
11 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
12 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
13 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
14 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
15 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
16 $34,725 $39,000 61.5%
17 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
18 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
19 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
20 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
21 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
22 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
23 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
24 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,000 salary difference between Boston University and Berklee graduates in education?

Boston University teacher education graduates earn $42,682 compared to Berklee's $29,685, reflecting different career paths within education. Boston University prepares traditional K-12 teachers who enter public school systems with union contracts and structured pay scales. Berklee graduates often pursue music education, arts therapy, or private instruction roles that typically offer lower starting salaries. The $13,000 gap also reflects Boston University's broader education program versus Berklee's specialized music focus.

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

Bridgewater State University offers the best public option at $17,970 net cost with graduates earning $34,704, creating a strong value proposition. Salem State and Westfield State provide similar affordability at around $18,500 net cost. Private institutions like Lesley University cost $31,805 but graduates earn $38,289, adding $3,585 in annual income. The $14,000 cost difference between public and private options takes approximately four years of higher earnings to offset.

Does teacher debt load vary significantly across Massachusetts programs?

Available debt data shows relatively consistent borrowing patterns, with most graduates carrying $24,000 to $26,500 in student loans. Bridgewater State graduates have $24,490 in debt while Massachusetts College of Art graduates carry $26,250. Boston University students borrow $25,500 despite higher program costs, suggesting better financial aid packages. These debt levels remain manageable given teacher starting salaries, typically requiring 6-8 years for full repayment under standard terms.

Where do Massachusetts teacher education graduates find the best job opportunities?

Greater Boston school districts offer the highest starting salaries, often $45,000-$50,000 for new teachers with specialized subject expertise. The state faces particular shortages in mathematics, science, special education, and bilingual instruction, creating immediate job prospects for qualified candidates. Suburban districts in MetroWest and North Shore regions provide competitive packages with strong benefits. Rural western Massachusetts districts offer lower starting salaries but faster advancement opportunities and lower living costs.

Is the 90% graduation rate at Boston University typical for teacher education programs?

Boston University's 90% graduation rate represents the highest completion rate among Massachusetts teacher education programs, well above the 40%-70% range seen at most other institutions. Bridgewater State and Salem State hover around 55% graduation rates, typical for public universities. Private institutions like Simmons University (71.2%) and Emerson College (79.3%) generally show higher completion rates. Lower graduation rates often reflect students switching majors rather than academic difficulty, as education requirements include extensive field experience that some students find challenging.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in Massachusetts Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas in Massachusetts

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