Skip to main content

Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Tennessee

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

Middle Tennessee State University delivers strong value for future educators with a net cost of just $12,599 and post-graduation earnings of $31,133. The state's public universities consistently outpace private options on affordability, with Austin Peay State University charging only $8,675 in-state tuition compared to private schools averaging over $35,000. Tennessee's thriving music industry creates unique opportunities for music education graduates, particularly around Nashville where both Belmont University and Lipscomb University offer programs. The state's teacher education programs show remarkable variation in outcomes, from Union University's 70.90% graduation rate to Tusculum University's 30.50%. With Tennessee Promise covering community college costs and no state income tax burden, educators can maximize their earning potential while minimizing student debt.
29
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$36,020
Avg. Program Earnings
52.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,253 $33,637 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
2 $12,599 $31,133 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
3 $18,661 $36,110 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
4 $20,986 $37,568 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
5 $20,399 $36,282 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
6 $22,874 $37,208 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
7 $25,610 $41,342 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
8 $18,292 $28,598 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
9 $26,815 $37,424 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
10 $32,096 $40,896 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
11 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
12 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
13 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
14 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
15 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
16 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
17 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
18 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
19 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
20 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
21 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
22 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
23 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
24 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
25 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
26 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
27 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
28 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
29 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes public universities in Tennessee such strong values for teacher education?

Public schools like Middle Tennessee State University ($12,599 net cost) and Austin Peay State University ($14,846 net cost) offer substantially lower expenses than private alternatives. These institutions maintain solid graduation rates between 44.50% and 54.00%. The cost difference is dramatic, with private schools averaging over $20,000 in net costs while delivering similar employment outcomes.

How do teacher education graduates fare financially after completing Tennessee programs?

Teacher education graduates earn between $28,598 and $41,342 annually across Tennessee programs. Lipscomb University graduates command the highest salaries at $41,342, while Cumberland University graduates start at $28,598. Most programs cluster around $33,000 to $37,000 in starting earnings, providing reasonable returns given the state's lack of income tax.

Does Vanderbilt University offer better value despite its high sticker price?

Vanderbilt's $63,946 published tuition drops to $19,040 net cost due to substantial financial aid packages. However, the school's 6.67% acceptance rate makes admission extremely competitive. The 92.70% graduation rate significantly exceeds other options, though earnings data isn't available to assess financial returns.

Where do graduation rates vary most significantly among Tennessee teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span from Tusculum University's concerning 30.50% to Vanderbilt's strong 92.70%. Most private schools cluster between 46% and 71%, while public universities range from 44.50% to 54.00%. Union University stands out among privates with a 70.90% completion rate despite charging $26,815 net cost.

What role does Tennessee's economy play in teacher career prospects?

Tennessee's music industry creates specialized opportunities for music educators, particularly in Nashville where multiple programs operate. The state's automotive manufacturing sector drives demand for technical education teachers. Healthcare giant HCA's Tennessee presence also generates needs for health education specialists, expanding career options beyond traditional classroom teaching roles.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Rankings

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

Related

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

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