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Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Virginia

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

Norfolk State University delivers teacher education training for just $12,973 net price, making it Virginia's most affordable option by over $1,000. The state's 18 programs span a $19,172 cost range, with private colleges like Regent University commanding $18,749 despite their nonprofit status. Virginia's proximity to federal education initiatives and defense contractors creates unique opportunities for subject-area specialists, particularly in STEM fields where companies like Northrop Grumman actively recruit educators for training roles. Graduates earn between $24,035 and $41,667 annually, with Regent University producing the highest earners at $41,667. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, while acceptance rates exceed 80% at most institutions. The state's education sector benefits from federal funding streams and partnerships with major employers who value specialized instructional design skills.
18
Programs
$12,973 – $32,145
Net Price Range
$33,145
Avg. Program Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
2 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
3 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
4 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
5 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
6 $18,749 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
7 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
8 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
9 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
10 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
11 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
12 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
13 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
14 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
15 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
16 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
17 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
18 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,172 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Norfolk State University charges $12,973 while programs like Eastern Mennonite University reach $32,145, reflecting the public-private divide. Public institutions receive state funding that significantly reduces net costs for residents. Private colleges often provide more individualized attention and smaller class sizes. The VTAG grant helps bridge this gap for Virginia students attending private institutions.

How do earnings compare across different price points in Virginia teacher education?

Regent University graduates earn $41,667 annually despite the program costing $18,749, delivering strong return on investment. Virginia State University costs just $14,553 but produces graduates earning $24,035. George Mason University offers middle-ground value at $18,287 with $40,017 average earnings. Private institutions generally produce higher-earning graduates, though public options provide solid financial outcomes.

Is the 89.5% acceptance rate at Norfolk State University typical for affordable programs?

Most affordable Virginia teacher education programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Old Dominion at 95.14% and Virginia State at 89.72%. These institutions prioritize access to teaching careers rather than exclusivity. Eastern Mennonite University accepts 99.48% of applicants despite higher costs. Only Regent University operates selectively at 32.34% acceptance, reflecting its private nonprofit model.

Where do Virginia teacher education graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies creates demand for instructional designers and training specialists at companies like Booz Allen. Defense contractors like Northrop Grumman hire subject-area experts for employee education programs. Healthcare systems such as Inova Health need specialized trainers for medical education. The Richmond metro area offers traditional K-12 positions plus corporate training roles.

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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.