Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Alabama

University of North Alabama delivers Alabama's most affordable Teacher Education and Professional Development program at just $11,024 net cost, while private options like University of Mobile cost nearly double at $19,603. This price gap reflects a broader pattern across Alabama's teacher preparation market, where public universities consistently undercut private competitors by $6,000 to $8,000 annually. The earnings picture tells an interesting story too. Graduates typically earn between $32,711 and $37,898, with Alabama A&M and Auburn Montgomery graduates commanding the highest starting salaries at $37,208. These programs serve Alabama's expanding educational needs as the state's aerospace and automotive growth creates demand for skilled technical education teachers. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and manufacturers like Hyundai require workers with specialized training, driving need for career and technical education instructors. The Alabama Student Grant Program helps offset costs for in-state students, making public options even more attractive. Graduation rates vary significantly, from University of Alabama Birmingham's solid 62.4% down to Miles College's 25.7%, suggesting students should weigh completion likelihood against upfront savings.

Programs

$11,024 – $32,977

Net Price Range

$36,198

Avg. Program Earnings

51.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama	$11,024	$11,990	54.0%	95.7%
2	Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$12,272	$11,392	41.0%	64.5%
3	University of West Alabama Livingston, Alabama	$13,832	$10,990	38.0%	68.9%
4	Troy University Troy, Alabama	$13,869	$9,792	46.8%	94.8%
5	Alabama State University Montgomery, Alabama	$13,889	$11,248	30.2%	96.6%
6	Miles College Fairfield, Alabama	$14,514	$12,714	25.7%
7	Alabama A & M University Normal, Alabama	$14,559	$10,024	28.7%	68.4%
8	Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, Alabama	$14,596	$9,436	35.7%	92.2%
9	Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, Alabama	$14,850	$12,426	51.1%	78.5%
10	University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama	$15,142	$9,676	52.6%	65.4%
11	University of Montevallo Montevallo, Alabama	$17,053	$13,710	49.4%	59.8%
12	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama	$17,727	$8,832	62.4%	86.7%
13	Spring Hill College Mobile, Alabama	$19,514	$23,270	56.1%	72.6%
14	University of Mobile Mobile, Alabama	$19,603	$26,120	55.5%	84.1%
15	University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, Alabama	$19,880	$11,770	61.9%	78.1%
16	Faulkner University Montgomery, Alabama	$21,165	$23,920	37.7%	82.4%
17	Huntingdon College Montgomery, Alabama	$21,401	$28,650	46.9%	66.0%
18	The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$22,150	$11,900	73.7%	80.1%
19	Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, Alabama	$23,351	$22,750	64.2%	57.2%
20	Oakwood University Huntsville, Alabama	$23,384	$21,838	49.9%	68.1%
21	Auburn University Auburn, Alabama	$23,897	$12,536	79.2%	43.7%
22	Samford University Birmingham, Alabama	$30,795	$38,144	79.9%	83.3%
23	Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama	$32,977	$23,440	57.1%	29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama's program so affordable compared to other options?

University of North Alabama charges just $11,024 in net costs, nearly $1,200 less than the second-cheapest option at Stillman College. The university maintains low in-state tuition at $11,990 while accepting 95.68% of applicants. With a 54% graduation rate and average earnings of $36,776, it offers solid value for money in teacher preparation.

How do graduation rates compare across Alabama's teacher education programs?

Graduation rates span a wide 37-point range, from University of Alabama Birmingham's 62.4% down to Miles College's 25.7%. University of North Alabama achieves 54% while Troy University graduates 46.8% of students. Spring Hill College leads private schools with 56.1%, though it costs $8,490 more than the cheapest public option.

Is there a significant earnings difference between Alabama teacher education graduates?

Starting salaries range from $32,711 at University of West Alabama to $37,898 at University of Mobile, a $5,187 difference. Alabama A&M and Auburn Montgomery both produce graduates earning $37,208 annually. Most programs cluster around $34,000 to $37,000, reflecting Alabama's teacher salary structure.

Does choosing a private college over public provide better outcomes in teacher education?

Private colleges cost $6,000 to $8,000 more annually but don't guarantee better results. University of Mobile graduates earn $37,424, the highest reported, but Spring Hill College costs $19,514 with no earnings data available. Public options like Alabama A&M match private school earnings at significantly lower costs.

Where should students focus if they want the best combination of affordability and job prospects?

University of North Alabama offers the strongest value proposition at $11,024 net cost with $36,776 average earnings and 54% graduation rate. Alabama A&M provides higher earnings at $37,208 for just $3,535 more in costs. Both schools significantly outperform more expensive alternatives in return on investment.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Rankings

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All Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs Best Colleges in Alabama Best Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods in Alabama

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