University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for education.
Educators fill a vital role in teaching the next generation. You may know you want to work with children, teens, or those with special needs. No matter where you plan to apply your talents, you’re going to have to attend a fully approved teacher preparation program first. The best of these college programs are detailed below. You might be looking for a great online education degree program that’s also inexpensive, or maybe you want to know more about the size of the school itself and the student/teacher ratio to make sure you can get the most out of your classes. Either way, we’ve provided all the information you need to decide where you’ll begin your journey as a teacher.
Featured Online Programs
Top 25 Best Campus Education Schools
Stanford University
Score: 94.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,484
- Out-of-State:$62,484
- Net Price: $18,279
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 18,283
- Undergrad Students: 8,049
- Graduate Students: 10,234
- Grads Salary: $116,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Yale University
Score: 88.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,700
- Out-of-State:$64,700
- Net Price: $18,647
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Total Enrollment: 14,776
- Undergrad Students: 6,645
- Graduate Students: 8,131
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Harvard University
Score: 88.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,076
- Out-of-State:$59,076
- Net Price: $19,491
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Total Enrollment: 30,631
- Undergrad Students: 9,368
- Graduate Students: 21,263
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Duke University
Score: 86.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,805
- Out-of-State:$65,805
- Net Price: $23,694
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 18,023
- Undergrad Students: 6,640
- Graduate Students: 11,383
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Rice University
Score: 85.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,128
- Out-of-State:$58,128
- Net Price: $19,902
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 8,672
- Undergrad Students: 4,494
- Graduate Students: 4,178
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Columbia University
Score: 84.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $69,045
- Out-of-State:$69,045
- Net Price: $22,058
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 34,782
- Undergrad Students: 8,902
- Graduate Students: 25,880
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Johns Hopkins University
Score: 84.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,340
- Out-of-State:$63,340
- Net Price: $24,034
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 31,275
- Undergrad Students: 6,044
- Graduate Students: 25,231
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Northwestern University
Score: 84.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State:$65,997
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 84.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,104
- Out-of-State:$66,104
- Net Price: $26,123
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 28,201
- Undergrad Students: 11,250
- Graduate Students: 16,951
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Brown University
Score: 84.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $68,230
- Out-of-State:$68,230
- Net Price: $26,723
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 11,189
- Undergrad Students: 7,639
- Graduate Students: 3,550
- Grads Salary: $93,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of California-Los Angeles
Score: 82.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,747
- Out-of-State:$44,524
- Net Price: $16,999
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 46,430
- Undergrad Students: 32,423
- Graduate Students: 14,007
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Score: 82.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,228
- Out-of-State:$58,072
- Net Price: $19,318
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 51,225
- Undergrad Students: 32,695
- Graduate Students: 18,530
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Vanderbilt University
Score: 82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,946
- Out-of-State:$63,946
- Net Price: $25,606
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 13,710
- Undergrad Students: 7,151
- Graduate Students: 6,559
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Bowdoin College
Score: 81.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,910
- Out-of-State:$64,910
- Net Price: $22,776
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 1,915
- Undergrad Students: 1,915
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Washington University in St. Louis
Score: 80.61
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,982
- Out-of-State:$62,982
- Net Price: $23,432
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 17,012
- Undergrad Students: 8,132
- Graduate Students: 8,880
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of Notre Dame
Score: 80.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,693
- Out-of-State:$62,693
- Net Price: $28,474
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 13,105
- Undergrad Students: 8,971
- Graduate Students: 4,134
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Virginia
Score: 80.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,986
- Out-of-State:$58,014
- Net Price: $19,469
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 26,082
- Undergrad Students: 17,444
- Graduate Students: 8,638
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of California-Irvine
Score: 80.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,237
- Out-of-State:$45,014
- Net Price: $14,033
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 35,937
- Undergrad Students: 28,662
- Graduate Students: 7,275
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of California-San Diego
Score: 80.01
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,265
- Out-of-State:$46,042
- Net Price: $16,111
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 42,006
- Undergrad Students: 33,096
- Graduate Students: 8,910
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Florida
Score: 79.52
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 79.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Middlebury College
Score: 79.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,280
- Out-of-State:$65,280
- Net Price: $22,181
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 2,843
- Undergrad Students: 2,773
- Graduate Students: 70
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Southern California
Score: 78.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $68,237
- Out-of-State:$68,237
- Net Price: $36,808
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 48,945
- Undergrad Students: 20,699
- Graduate Students: 28,246
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of California-Santa Barbara
Score: 78.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,965
- Out-of-State:$45,742
- Net Price: $16,874
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Total Enrollment: 26,420
- Undergrad Students: 23,459
- Graduate Students: 2,961
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
New York University
Score: 77.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,438
- Out-of-State:$60,438
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
How to Choose a Teaching Program
When choosing a teaching degree program, it’s important to ensure that the program is both accredited and approved by your state’s Board of Education. This not only guarantees the program meets quality standards but also ensures that you will be eligible for licensure upon graduation. Take time to understand the program's focus—whether it’s centered on specific teaching methodologies, like Montessori or STEM education, or broader approaches like inclusive or special education. Finding a program that aligns with your teaching style and career goals is crucial. If you know you want to work as an elementary teacher, you should ensure that you apply to an elementary education teacher education program. Additionally, look for programs that offer substantial student teaching experience, as this hands-on practice is vital for building classroom management skills and applying what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
Another important consideration is the program’s test preparation and job placement support. Many states require teachers to pass exams to earn licensure, so it’s helpful if the program offers preparation resources to help you succeed. Strong job placement services - including career counseling, resume workshops, and connections to schools through job fairs and internships - can also help you transition smoothly into your teaching career. By evaluating all these factors, you can choose a program that not only prepares you academically but also provides the resources and support needed for long-term success as a teacher.
Types of Teaching Programs
When considering a career in teaching, it's important to understand the various types of teaching programs available, including different degree levels and specializations. These options allow you to tailor your education to the specific age group, subject area, or teaching method you want to focus on.
Degree Levels
Teaching programs are offered at several degree levels, each providing different pathways depending on your experience and career goals. For those starting out, a bachelor's degree in education is typically the first step and prepares you for licensure to teach in public schools. An associate degree is usually not enough education if you want to lead your own classroom.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, an alternative certification or a post-baccalaureate program may allow you to transition into teaching. For those looking to advance their careers, a master's degree in education or a specialized area of teaching can provide you with opportunities for leadership roles, specialized teaching positions, or higher salaries. Additionally, some programs offer doctoral degrees (PhD or EdD) that are ideal for those aiming to pursue careers in educational research, administration, or university-level teaching.
Specializations
Teaching programs also offer a range of specializations allowing you to focus on specific subjects, grade levels, or educational needs. Common specializations include early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, special education, and ESL (English as a Second Language). Each of these areas may have further sub-specializations such as literacy instruction, math education, or special needs teaching. Additionally, some programs offer concentrations in non-traditional education fields like Montessori education, educational leadership, or instructional technology. Choosing the right specialization will depend on your interests, strengths, and the type of impact you want to have in the classroom.
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