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Choosing the right Teacher Education and Professional Development program is crucial for aspiring educators who want to specialize in specific grade levels or teaching methods. With 740 schools offering this major nationwide, students have numerous options to consider. Graduates typically earn around $35,374 annually, reflecting the important but modestly compensated nature of education careers.

When evaluating programs, students should prioritize accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation, strong student teaching partnerships with local schools, and specialized coursework in their chosen focus area. Look for programs that offer hands-on classroom experience, mentorship opportunities, and preparation for state licensing requirements. Consider schools with high teacher certification pass rates and strong alumni networks in education.
25
Schools Ranked
$46,997
Avg. Program Earnings
60.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
# School Median Earnings Graduation Rate School Type
1 $53,358 66.0% private-nonprofit
2 $50,689 85.2% public
3 $50,375 56.6% private-nonprofit
4 $50,270 62.6% private-nonprofit
5 $49,136 78.5% private-nonprofit
6 $48,864 63.3% private-nonprofit
7 $47,478 88.6% public
8 $47,260 58.7% private-nonprofit
9 $47,260 54.5% private-nonprofit
10 $46,673 42.4% private-nonprofit
11 $46,673 31.0% public
12 $46,087 31.1% private-nonprofit
13 $46,087 48.9% public
14 $46,062 62.6% public
15 $45,696 41.2% private-nonprofit
16 $45,584 38.7% public
17 $45,584 60.4% private-nonprofit
18 $45,383 85.6% private-nonprofit
19 $45,328 65.5% public
20 $45,305 58.1% private-nonprofit
21 $45,305 43.4% public
22 $45,231 47.7% public
23 $45,227 80.2% private-nonprofit
24 $45,082 71.0% private-nonprofit
25 $44,928 88.5% private-nonprofit

Browse all Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods programs →

See our methodology for how rankings are calculated.