Rankings / By Major
Best Colleges for Education
- 50
- Schools
- $55,697
- Avg. Earnings
- 59%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,401
- Avg. Net Price
- $19,373
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $35,348 to $81,400, a 2.3× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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CUNY Brooklyn College delivers the most for the money: roughly $60,752 in median earnings against $3,103 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, CUNY Brooklyn College ($3,103 net price), still posts $60,752 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Swarthmore College graduates 93% of its students, versus a 59% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Berea College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.08× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Boricua College ($35,348 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Davidson College ($81,400), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- CUNY Brooklyn College costs $3,103 a year and The College of New Jersey costs $27,646. Yet their graduates earn $60,752 and $73,323, nowhere near the $24,543 price gap.
- On value, CUNY Brooklyn College beats Davidson College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with CUNY Brooklyn College and Swarthmore College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $55K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Boricua College #1 overall | $35,348 ▼ -37% vs avg | $15,245 | 74% | 85 |
| 2 CUNY Queens College #2 overall | $62,763 ▲ +13% vs avg | $4,195 | 56% | 84 |
| 3 Niagara University #3 overall | $56,196 ▲ +1% vs avg | $17,248 | 72% | 84 |
| $52,725 ▼ -5% vs avg | $11,890 | 51% | 83 | |
| $67,316 ▲ +21% vs avg | $18,211 | 72% | 83 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges for Education
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $55,697 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 59% and an average net price of $15,401.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Brooklyn College — Net Price: $3,103 | Graduation Rate: 55%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Swarthmore College — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Davidson College — Median alumni earnings: $81,400
CollegeRanker Primary Research
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$55,280
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$15,462
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Education programs feed a workforce defined by paradox: chronic teacher shortages and high social value on one side, modest pay and high attrition on the other. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The programs that matter most reliably move graduates into classrooms and keep them there.
Across the 50 programs on this list, graduates earn a median of $55,280 ten years after they first enrolled, about $7,280 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 56%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,462 a year, with about $20,231 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 36% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.0%.
What we’re seeing: districts compete hard for credentialed teachers, but the pay ceiling makes affordability decisive. With median earnings near $55,280 and a typical net price of $15,462, value in this field is driven as much by low cost as by salary.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Boricua College lands at #1 with a 85/100 composite, led by social mobility (100/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $35,348 a decade after enrolling, 37% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,245 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY Queens College lands at #2 with a 84/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $62,763 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,195 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Niagara University lands at #3 with a 84/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,196 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Valley City State University lands at #4 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,725 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,890 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
SUNY College at Geneseo lands at #5 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $67,316 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,211 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
University of Northern Iowa lands at #6 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,177 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,901 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Fresno Pacific University lands at #7 with a 82/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,896 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,630 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #8 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $60,752 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,103 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Emporia State University lands at #9 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,601 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,261 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Goshen College lands at #10 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $51,943 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,493 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Trinity Christian College lands at #11 with a 81/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $55,700 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,125 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Mayville State University lands at #12 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
William Carey University lands at #13 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $43,087 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,258 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Illinois State University lands at #14 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,117 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,398 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
SUNY Oneonta lands at #15 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $60,386 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,158 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Swarthmore College lands at #16 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (94/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,257 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,149 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Oakland City University lands at #17 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $43,283 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,210 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Buena Vista University lands at #18 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Brigham Young University lands at #19 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (75/100). Graduates earn a median $75,790 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,564 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Davidson College lands at #20 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (72/100). Graduates earn a median $81,400 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,379 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Blackburn College lands at #21 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $46,802 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,460 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Minot State University lands at #22 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $51,759 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,703 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Central Florida lands at #23 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Lewis University lands at #24 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
New Paltz, NY · 62% accepted · $18,809 net
Why it ranks #25
State University of New York at New Paltz lands at #25 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $58,073 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Nevada State University lands at #26 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $53,166 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,068 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
The College of New Jersey lands at #27 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Roberts Wesleyan University lands at #28 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $55,031 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,130 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Fort Hays State University lands at #29 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $48,928 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,569 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Bridgewater State University lands at #30 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,466 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,383 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Georgia Southwestern State University lands at #31 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,757 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,019 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
University of North Florida lands at #32 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
St. Joseph's University-New York lands at #33 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,905 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,035 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Chadron State College lands at #34 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,002 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,549 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Rhode Island College lands at #35 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
SUNY at Fredonia lands at #36 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $54,247 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,897 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Greenville University lands at #37 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $46,827 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,533 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
SUNY Old Westbury lands at #38 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,526 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
University of Central Missouri lands at #39 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $49,560 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,462 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Bay Path University lands at #40 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (97/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,383 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,271 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #41 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,541 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Eastern Oregon University lands at #42 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,112 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,148 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Wayne State College lands at #43 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,075 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,360 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Florida International University lands at #44 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #45
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #45 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,346 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,889 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
James Madison University lands at #46 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Berea College lands at #47 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $43,150 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Northwest Missouri State University lands at #48 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $47,885 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,244 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
New Mexico Highlands University lands at #49 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,937 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,838 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
North Greenville University lands at #50 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,035 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,063 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Choosing the right college for education majors involves looking at schools that not only provide a solid academic foundation but also lead to meaningful career outcomes. These institutions share a commitment to preparing future educators, and prospective students are increasingly weighing their options based on real-world data. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these top schools is $59,064, a figure that reflects the return on investment for a degree in education.
What distinguishes the strongest programs on this list are their graduation rates, earnings potential, student debt, and upward mobility. Schools like Vanderbilt University showcase impressive statistics, with a graduation rate of 93% and average student debt of $14,000. This data helps illuminate the choices students face: while some colleges may offer lower net prices, they might not deliver the same financial outcomes or support systems upon graduation.
Take Vanderbilt University and Niagara University, for example. Vanderbilt’s graduates earn an average of $91,565, while Niagara's graduates earn $56,196, reflecting a significant financial disparity. However, Niagara’s lower net price of $17,248 compared to Vanderbilt’s $15,846 may appeal to budget-conscious students. These trade-offs are crucial in making an informed decision, and they highlight the importance of aligning personal priorities with educational goals.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 48 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Brooklyn College leads the group at 8.1%, with CUNY Queens College (7.1%) and Florida International University (5.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Boricua College enrolls the most, at 46.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 24.6% across the list, peaking at 49.9% at The College of New Jersey.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.60, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Swarthmore College is highest at 1.84.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
The data reveals a notable pattern when comparing Vanderbilt University and St. Joseph's University-New York. While Vanderbilt boasts an impressive graduation rate of 93% and average earnings of $91,565, St. Joseph's graduates earn $63,905 and have a graduation rate of 67%. This highlights that a higher graduation rate can lead to significantly better financial outcomes, underscoring the importance of program support and resources.
After reviewing this list, it's essential to weigh these figures against personal factors like location, program fit, and financial situation. If a lower net price is a priority, schools like CUNY Brooklyn College with a net price of just $3,103 might be appealing. Alternatively, if maximizing earning potential is key, Vanderbilt’s performance should be a strong consideration. Understanding these variables can guide students in making a choice that aligns with their values and goals.
Ultimately, this data sheds light on the critical pathway from college to a stable career in education. Families must consider not just the immediate costs but the long-term benefits of their chosen institution. Selecting a school is a pivotal decision that will impact not only the student’s future earnings but also their overall quality of life. Making an informed choice can mean the difference between a secure future and financial strain.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges for Education: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges for Education ranking? +
Boricua College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges for Education ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $35,348 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 74% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Davidson College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $81,400 ten years after enrollment, well above the $55,697 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Brooklyn College leads: graduates earn a median $60,752 against net price of about $3,103 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Swarthmore College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 59% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,401 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Brooklyn College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,103. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges for Education ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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