Skip to main content

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Nebraska

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

Peru State College delivers the lowest net cost for teacher preparation at $11,401 annually, though graduates earn $26,739 on average. This reflects a common pattern across Nebraska's 14 teacher education programs where affordability and earnings don't always align. Public institutions like Chadron State produce the highest-earning graduates at $41,844 despite charging just $13,308 net cost. Nebraska's growing tech sector and established insurance industry create demand for specialized educators, particularly in STEM fields where the state's major employers like Berkshire Hathaway increasingly seek workers with strong analytical and communication skills.
14
Programs
$11,401 – $28,071
Net Price Range
$35,191
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,308 $41,844 $8,078 38.1%
2 $15,108 $38,108 $7,970 55.7%
3 $16,488 $40,209 $8,302 59.8% 86.0%
4 $11,401 $26,739 $8,280 37.7%
5 $17,424 $39,477 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
6 $21,554 $37,568 $36,130 53.3% 71.3%
7 $24,016 $32,391 $39,330 64.1% 90.8%
8 $28,071 $25,194 $40,491 55.9% 75.8%
9 $24,229 $40,270 43.2% 64.9%
10 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
11 $23,140 $41,658 68.9% 81.5%
12 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
13 $20,884 $27,990 45.9% 98.8%
14 $20,129 $21,600 37.4% 57.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap between lowest and highest graduate earnings?

Graduates from Chadron State College earn $41,844 compared to $25,194 at Doane University, reflecting different specialization areas and regional employment patterns. Teachers in western Nebraska often command higher salaries due to rural teacher shortages and cost-of-living adjustments.

How do public and private costs compare for teacher education programs?

Public universities average around $14,000 in net costs while private institutions range from $20,000 to $28,071. However, College of Saint Mary breaks this pattern with a net cost of just $14,986 despite its private status.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in Nebraska teacher education?

Not necessarily - Peru State has the lowest cost at $11,401 but only a 37.7% graduation rate. Meanwhile, Nebraska Wesleyan achieves a 68.9% graduation rate at $23,140 net cost, suggesting higher investment often correlates with better completion rates.

Where do Nebraska teacher education graduates find the best job prospects?

The Omaha-Lincoln corridor offers the most opportunities, with major employers like University of Nebraska Medical Center requiring specialized educational support staff. Rural areas also provide strong prospects due to ongoing teacher shortages statewide.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

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

Related

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

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