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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in New York

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY schools dominate the most affordable teacher education programs in New York, with Hunter College leading at just $2,446 net price. The City University system claims seven of the top ten spots, creating an unusually tight cluster of low-cost options in one of America's most expensive metropolitan areas. New York's massive K-12 system employs over 200,000 teachers across five boroughs, making it the largest educational employer in the state. Earnings vary dramatically among graduates, from $26,739 at SUNY Fredonia to $42,682 at College of Staten Island. The gap between CUNY's rock-bottom costs and private alternatives reaches extreme levels, with some programs costing seven times more than Hunter College. TAP grants provide additional support for New York residents, though the state's high living costs offset much of the tuition savings. Graduation rates span from 22.3% at Medgar Evers College to 72.1% at Baruch College, reflecting significant quality differences even within the same university system.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $30,521
Net Price Range
$34,419
Avg. Program Earnings
58.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
4 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
7 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
8 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
9 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
10 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
11 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
12 $14,187 $12,525 70.6%
13 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
14 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
15 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
16 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
17 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
18 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
19 $17,231 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
20 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
21 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
22 $18,021 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
23 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
24 $18,322 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
25 $18,481 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
26 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
27 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
28 $19,585 $33,560 56.7% 84.0%
29 $19,951 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%
30 $20,799 $29,950 49.0% 58.3%
31 $21,148 $17,290 64.7% 77.0%
32 $21,344 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
33 $21,614 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
34 $21,869 $24,308 55.5% 80.9%
35 $22,701 $39,530 55.5% 50.6%
36 $23,027 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
37 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
38 $23,735 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
39 $23,819 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
40 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
41 $25,842 $42,950 53.7% 84.1%
42 $26,187 $33,060 56.8% 89.0%
43 $26,870 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
44 $26,881 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
45 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
46 $27,151 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%
47 $27,733 $52,000 68.1% 68.5%
48 $27,951 $45,880 57.4% 96.4%
49 $28,150 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
50 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so much cheaper than other teacher education programs?

CUNY schools receive substantial state funding as public institutions, allowing net prices as low as $2,446 at Hunter College compared to $14,187 at private Boricua College. The system serves over 270,000 students across 25 campuses, creating economies of scale that keep costs down. In-state tuition at CUNY schools ranges from $7,340 to $7,538, while comparable private programs charge significantly more.

How do graduation rates compare among the cheapest teacher education programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically even among similarly priced CUNY schools, from just 22.3% at Medgar Evers College to 72.1% at Baruch College. Hunter College maintains a solid 61% graduation rate despite its lowest net cost. York College struggles with only 30.3% of students completing their programs, while Brooklyn College achieves 56.6% completion.

Where do teacher education graduates earn the most after completing New York programs?

College of Staten Island graduates command the highest earnings at $42,682, despite the school's moderate graduation rate of 32.8%. City College graduates earn $40,455 annually, while SUNY Potsdam produces graduates earning $37,424. The lowest earnings come from SUNY Fredonia graduates at $26,739, creating a $15,943 gap between the highest and lowest-paid programs.

Is student debt a major concern for these affordable teacher education programs?

Student debt remains manageable at most CUNY schools, with City College graduates owing just $9,558 on average. Brooklyn College keeps debt even lower at $10,315, while Hunter College graduates carry $13,920 in loans. Monroe College, the only for-profit institution in the top tier, saddles students with $24,250 in debt despite charging higher tuition.

Does location within New York State affect teacher job prospects for graduates?

New York City schools employ the vast majority of the state's teachers, creating strong demand for CUNY graduates who study within the five boroughs. Upstate programs like SUNY Buffalo State and Fredonia serve regional districts with different salary scales and hiring needs. The state's teacher shortage in high-need subjects provides opportunities statewide, though urban districts typically offer higher starting salaries to offset living costs.

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