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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 at just $3,061 net cost, making specialized subject area preparation accessible along the border. This stands out dramatically against private options like Houston Christian University at $19,710, where graduates earn $46,087 annually. Texas faces a critical teacher shortage, particularly in STEM and bilingual education, with districts from Houston ISD to Dallas ISD actively recruiting subject-area specialists. The state's growing population of 30 million students creates steady demand for qualified educators who can teach specialized subjects like mathematics, science, and English as a Second Language. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with UT El Paso and UT San Antonio both under $11,000 net cost while maintaining strong graduation rates above 45 percent. The contrast between public and private costs reaches $16,000 in some cases, though earnings data suggests the investment can pay dividends for graduates entering Texas classrooms.
40
Programs
$3,061 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$43,227
Avg. Program Earnings
49.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

40 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
3 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
4 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
5 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
6 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
7 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
8 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
9 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
10 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
11 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
12 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
13 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
14 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
15 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
16 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
17 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
18 $20,244 $13,498 38.1% 57.3%
19 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
20 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
21 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
22 $20,581 $24,588 41.1% 53.6%
23 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
24 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
25 $22,456 $20,260 23.9% 50.0%
26 $22,587 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
27 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
28 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
29 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
30 $25,255 $33,322 31.1% 62.3%
31 $25,314 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
32 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
33 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
34 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
35 $28,599 $19,290 4.5%
36 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
37 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
38 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
39 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
40 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M International University so affordable for teacher education?

Texas A&M International University charges just $3,061 net cost for teacher education programs, the lowest in the state. The Laredo campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student population along the Texas-Mexico border. Its 47.88% acceptance rate indicates selective admissions while maintaining affordability. The university benefits from state funding and lower regional operating costs compared to major metropolitan areas.

How do public and private teacher education costs compare in Texas?

Public universities average around $12,000 net cost, while private institutions range from $10,000 to nearly $20,000. UT Austin charges $19,678 despite being public, reflecting its competitive status and higher living costs. Private schools like University of St Thomas reach $18,762 but offer 68.6% graduation rates. The cost gap can exceed $15,000 between the cheapest public and most expensive private options.

Is teacher pay competitive for graduates from these programs?

Houston Christian University graduates earn $46,087 annually, representing the higher end for new teachers in Texas. Sam Houston State graduates start at $36,668, which aligns with typical beginning teacher salaries statewide. Texas teacher salaries vary significantly by district, with urban areas like Houston and Dallas offering higher compensation. The $10,000 earnings difference between schools often reflects geographic placement and specialization areas.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in teacher education?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from UT Austin's selective 31.35% to UT El Paso's open 99.92%. Higher selectivity doesn't always correlate with better outcomes, as UT El Paso maintains a solid 45.9% graduation rate. UT Austin achieves an strong 87.6% graduation rate, justifying its competitive admissions. Most teacher education programs in Texas maintain acceptance rates above 80% to address statewide teacher shortages.

Where do graduates typically find teaching positions in Texas?

Texas school districts actively recruit from in-state teacher preparation programs, particularly for high-need subjects like mathematics and science. Houston ISD, Dallas ISD, and San Antonio ISD represent major employment destinations for graduates. Border universities like Texas A&M International often place graduates in districts serving English Language Learners. The state's growing population creates approximately 40,000 new teaching positions annually across all grade levels and subjects.

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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.