Attending the best teaching colleges can give you access to one of the most rewarding and insightful careers.
When you establish yourself as a professional trained to educate the young minds of the world, you can open numerous doors to fantastic opportunities. You might find domestic teaching opportunities or even explore worldwide communities, spreading education while traveling.
In this guide, we explore 10 top-ranked teaching schools you can attend in the United States. Each of these schools meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $37,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $30,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
10 Best Teaching Colleges
1. University of Florida
4 Year; Gainesville, FL
Average Annual Cost: $5,135
As a part of the University of Florida College of Education, students can work towards careers that will quickly become their passion. There is an impressive number of education programs you can take, depending on the type of teacher you want to be.
A few examples of the popular learning pathways for future teachers include:
- Bilingual/ESOL Education
- Computer Science Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Technology
- Florida Teaching
- Elementary Education
Depending on the specialty you choose, there are different degree options you can consider pursuing. For example, students looking to become Higher Education Administrators can go for their ED.D. or PH.D.
Alternatively, Florida Teaching offers an undergraduate minor certificate, while English Education features certificate, ED.S., MAE, and PH.D. programs.
What makes the University of Florida so competitive for prospective teachers is its wide number of teaching programs. Instead of offering basic K-12 education, students can study teaching specialties within three main departments:
- School of Human Development & Organizational Studies in Education
- School of Special Education, School Psychology & Early Childhood Studies
- School of Teaching & Learning
Within these broad departments, you’ll find unique learning pathways to help you acquire your dream career. With a blend of hands-on, real-world experience and in-classroom instruction, you’ll be a well-trained professional ready to help students of any age upon graduation.
2. University of Wyoming
4 Year; Laramie, WY
Average Annual Cost: $11,085
The University of Wyoming takes pride in its College of Education, giving university and college students access to a rewarding career. Their programs encompass elementary through secondary education, featuring degrees from a master’s to a doctoral.
Additionally, you can sign up for numerous certificate and undergraduate programs if you’re just starting to develop your career as a teacher.
What makes the curriculum at the University of Wyoming unique is its blend of theoretical and critical thinking. Students will explore their future careers with hands-on experiences, in-classroom learning, and research and internship opportunities.
From there, you can guarantee you’ll be a more competitive professional, ready to take on your future career in no time.
There are two primary departments for teaching students to enroll:
- School of Teacher Education
- School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy, and Design
Within each broad category, you’ll find numerous specialties, such as:
- Higher Education Administration
- Special Education
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Research
- Counseling
- Secondary Education
- Elementary Education
3. University of Michigan
4 Year; Ann Arbor, MI
Average Annual Cost: $14,878
University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus is one of the most prestigious schools to attend when looking to become a teacher. According to the Center for World University Subject Rankings, this school is ranked first in Education and Educational Research.
That said, you can guarantee you’ll get some of the most competitive learning opportunities to help you become the best teacher you’re capable of being.
What makes the University of Michigan such a great school to attend is its unique teaching methodologies.
Although it’s an incredibly popular school, they feature a one-to-eight faculty-to-student ratio, which is highly competitive even compared to private universities. There are 550 undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Education, with over 40+ lecturers.
Students can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certification programs to begin or finish their careers in teaching. You can also explore several minors and online programs, helping you earn your degree in a blended environment that adapts to your schedule.
As an undergraduate student, you can work towards an undergraduate education as either an elementary or secondary teacher. Master’s students can explore a few additional options, including:
- Educational Studies
- Program Evaluation and Improvement Research
- Educational Equity, Justice, and Social Transformation
- Educational Leadership and Policy
Undoubtedly, there are plenty of different learning pathways to explore as well as world-renowned faculty members to learn from.
Students at the University of Michigan will be able to attend a spectacular campus with numerous opportunities to learn, make friends, and become a positive contribution to their community.
4. Vanderbilt University
4 Year; Nashville, TN
Average Annual Cost: $19,970
Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt is another remarkable program for students looking to become teachers. You’ll find many programs at graduate, undergraduate, and professional levels to help you diversify your skills to become a well-rounded educator.
All the courses offered through the school are taught by some of the most established and committed professionals across the United States.
With enrollment in Peabody College through the Department of Teaching and Learning, students can explore various areas of study, including:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
Upon graduation, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Science, helping you work towards your master’s or doctorate degrees, as desired.
In each learning pathway, there are a few fundamentals that make up the curriculum. Teaching students will work on a liberal education core concept, a professional core concept, as well as a major specialization.
Of course, there are also electives you can choose from, helping you explore other topics of interest while in college.
5. Northwestern University
4 Year; Evanston, IL
Average Annual Cost: $23,279
Northwestern University’s teaching program is a unique option for students looking to learn from world leaders while becoming world leaders themselves. Each of the teaching initiatives you’ll explore in their programs focus on four fundamentals:
- Fostering Subject Matter Sensemaking
- Advancing Equity and Social Justice
- Understanding Learning and Human Development
- Engaging Within and Across Community
As such, graduates will be not only well-rounded professionals but also massive contributors to their community. As an educator, you’ll be able to work alongside students while ensuring everyone has equal access to education.
Northwestern is a fantastic school that takes pride in its education program, giving students numerous essential learning opportunities.
One of the more unique benefits of the elementary and secondary teaching degrees at this school is they offer interactive coursework. This learning methodology gives prospective teachers a significantly deeper understanding of being responsive and explanatory professionals that students can rely on.
With a combination of action research, clinical experience, and theoretical learning, you’ll be able to engage in your dream of transformative teaching across all ages.
6. Washington University in St Louis
4 Year; Saint Louis, MO
Average Annual Cost: $26,921
If you’re looking to pursue a career as an educator, the programs at Washington University in St Louis are highly competitive. Students can explore teacher education and educational studies to diversify their employable skills.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have the strongest foundational knowledge possible to help offer top-tier educational experiences to all children. In the teacher education program, students can choose to specialize in elementary, middle school, or secondary education.
In the elementary program, you’ll learn to work with students in grades one through six. The middle school program is for students in grades five through nine, and secondary education is for students up to grade 12.
In each learning pathway, there are specific specializations to consider. For example, secondary education students will require an undergraduate major in specific subject areas.
Middle school teaching students require a major in Education and another area related to English, mathematics, science, or social science.
Along with their on-campus learning opportunities, Washington University in St Louis gives teaching students international learning options. In the study abroad program, you can learn in Denmark, Chile, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, and the Netherlands.
There are even academic programs in South Africa, allowing you to travel the world and learn the importance of community for professional development.
7. Brown University
4 Year; Providence, RI
Average Annual Cost: $29,544
Brown University is well-known for its assortment of programs, one of which is its education studies. In these courses, students will explore several facets of education, ranging from privilege and equity to fundamental issues preventing students from getting gainful education.
From there, you’ll learn how students can learn and develop, how to refine educational policies to avoid bias, and even dive into human development
If you’re interested in learning about teaching from a more interpersonal perspective, education studies at Brown University are ideal. In this concentration, students will be required to have 10 credit-bearing courses and one non-credit-bearing component.
You can choose from an assortment of specializations, including:
- Education for Social Justice
- Education Policy Analysis
- Communities & Education
- Child Development
- Teaching and Learning
- Education and Economics
A few of the most popular course selections in this learning pathway include:
- Politics and Public Education
- Sociology of Education
- Adolescent Literature
- Moral Development and Education
- The Craft of Teaching
- Family Engagement in Education
- Histories of Race and Education in the United States
- Applied Statistics for Ed Research and Policy Analysis
8. Boston University
4 Year; Boston, MA
Average Annual Cost: $30,395
Studying to become a teacher at Boston University makes you a part of the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. This teaching program is structured similarly to many others, ensuring students have the skills to mentor, build communities, and research.
One of the major facets of this program is that it focuses on social justice and equity, ensuring all students have equal access to education. During your studies, you’ll explore different ways to destroy systemic barriers and create more positive changes for families and children.
Along with undergraduate teaching programs, Boston University is home to numerous graduate programs taught by experts in their field. When you’re ready to become a professional in the world of teaching, their excellent graduate programs are some of the bests in the nation.
As expected, Boston University offers an exceptional number of specialties for students to explore, including:
- Childhood & Exceptional Education
- Education Leadership & Policy Studies
- Secondary Education
- Counseling Psychology, Applied Human Development & Child Life
- Language & Literacy Education
9. Duke University
4 Year; Durham, NC
Average Annual Cost: $32,459
The undergraduate education programs at Duke University are some of the best, exploring the psychological, historical, political, and social aspects of learning.
You’ll diversify your understanding of schools and school children, helping you offer the most well-rounded, comprehensive teaching experiences possible. Graduates of this program find they have a stronger civic responsibility, ethical reasoning, cross-cultural competency, and empathy.
There are several fundamental tenets Duke University relies on when giving students a diverse education, also known as LEARNER.
LEARNER includes:
- Liberally Educated
- Advocating
- Reflective
- Nurturing
- Engaged
- Respectful
Each of these concepts is a must-have trait for educators around the world, offering excellence no matter where they work.
10. Boston College
4 Year; Chestnut Hill, MA
Average Annual Cost: $36,599
Boston College is another competitive program ranked 19th in the United States for education studies, according to the U.S. News & World Report. It’s also a fantastic school for education students looking to pursue research opportunities, diversifying their teaching capabilities.
As a prospective teacher, you’ll be a part of the Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Currently, the school has five specific colleges, each featuring different specialties.
These colleges include:
- Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology
- Department of Formative Education
- Educational Leadership & Higher Education
- Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics & Assessment
- Teaching, Curriculum, and Society
In every program, students will receive hands-on and theoretical learning opportunities. You’ll explore relevant coursework with a rigorous curriculum, giving you a modernized approach to educating and developing world leaders through your students.
Find the Best Teaching College Today!
There’s no better time than now to apply to the best teaching colleges in the United States. With the ability to join highly competitive programs designed to transform you into a world-class educator, your future career options are endless.
Whether you want to help international students learn essential skills or offer equal opportunity to education domestically, you can become the teacher you want to be with these programs.
