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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Texas

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

Texas A & M International University in Laredo breaks the mold with teacher education programs costing just $3,061 net annually while producing graduates earning $46,087. This stark contrast to the $19,710 maximum in the state highlights how geography and institutional type shape educational access. The state's teacher education market spans from community colleges like Dallas College at $4,146 to specialized institutions, reflecting Texas's massive education workforce needs. With over 400,000 teachers statewide and districts from Houston ISD to rural counties constantly recruiting, affordable programs become essential pipelines. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Texas College's 10.7% to Criswell College's 57.1%, suggesting program structure matters as much as cost. Most public universities maintain acceptance rates above 85%, keeping doors open for career changers and first-generation college students entering education.
43
Programs
$3,061 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$39,564
Avg. Program Earnings
43.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

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

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $4,146 $2,370 35.5%
3 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
4 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
5 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
6 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
7 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
8 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
9 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
10 $12,637 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
11 $12,929 $14,310 57.1% 100.0%
12 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
13 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
14 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
15 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
16 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
17 $17,950 $12,836 27.0%
18 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
19 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
20 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
21 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
22 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
23 $20,244 $13,498 38.1% 57.3%
24 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
25 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
26 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
27 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
28 $20,581 $24,588 41.1% 53.6%
29 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
30 $22,240 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
31 $22,456 $20,260 23.9% 50.0%
32 $22,587 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
33 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
34 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
35 $25,314 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
36 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
37 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
38 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
39 $28,599 $19,290 4.5%
40 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
41 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
42 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
43 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A & M International University's teacher education program so affordable?

The university's net cost of $3,061 reflects substantial financial aid packaging and lower living costs in Laredo. In-state tuition sits at $7,846, but aid brings actual costs down significantly. The 47.88% acceptance rate maintains selectivity while the 48.90% graduation rate shows reasonable completion success for education majors.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Graduates from Texas A & M International ($3,061 net cost) earn $46,087 annually, while Texas College graduates ($10,650 net cost) earn $22,771. This $23,316 earnings gap suggests that program cost doesn't always correlate with post-graduation income. The difference likely reflects regional job markets and program specializations within teacher education.

Is Dallas College a viable option for teacher education?

Dallas College offers the second-lowest net cost at $4,146 with in-state tuition of just $2,370. However, the 35.50% graduation rate suggests students may be using it as a transfer pathway rather than completing four-year degrees there. Many students likely transfer to four-year institutions to finish teacher certification requirements.

Does location affect teacher education program costs in Texas?

Border and rural locations often offer lower costs, with Laredo, Alpine, and Marshall hosting three of the cheapest programs. Urban areas like Dallas and San Antonio show mixed pricing, from Dallas College's $4,146 to higher-cost options. Rural districts across Texas actively recruit teachers, making these affordable programs strategic for employment placement.

Where do most graduates find teaching positions after these programs?

Texas employs over 400,000 teachers across 1,200 school districts, creating steady demand for education graduates. Major urban districts like Houston ISD, Dallas ISD, and Austin ISD compete with suburban districts offering higher salaries. Rural districts often provide loan forgiveness and housing incentives, making graduates from affordable programs particularly attractive candidates for hard-to-staff positions.

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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.