Rankings / Outcomes
Highest-Paying Colleges for Education
- 50
- Schools
- $73,766
- Avg. Earnings
- 74%
- Avg. Graduation
- $26,302
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,812
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $62,763 to $87,054, a 1.4× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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CUNY Queens College delivers the most for the money: roughly $62,763 in median earnings against $4,195 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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CUNY Queens College is the lowest-cost school here at $4,195 a year in net price.
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Swarthmore College graduates 93% of its students, versus a 74% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Brigham Young University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.15× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- CUNY Queens College costs $4,195 a year and Providence College costs $48,523. Yet their graduates earn $62,763 and $87,054, nowhere near the $44,328 price gap.
- On value, CUNY Queens College beats Providence College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Swarthmore College finishes 93% of students while San Francisco State University finishes 50%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
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 Queens 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 $73K 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
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
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 Providence College #1 overall | $87,054 ▲ +18% vs avg | $48,523 | 87% | 66 |
| 2 Davidson College #2 overall | $81,400 ▲ +10% vs avg | $17,379 | 91% | 65 |
| 3 Swarthmore College #3 overall | $80,257 ▲ +9% vs avg | $23,149 | 93% | 65 |
| $82,804 ▲ +12% vs avg | $28,210 | 80% | 65 | |
| $86,881 ▲ +18% vs avg | $29,689 | 79% | 64 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Highest-Paying Colleges for Education
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $73,766 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 74% and an average net price of $26,302.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Queens College — Net Price: $4,195 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Swarthmore College — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Providence College — Median alumni earnings: $87,054
Research Note
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?
$73,287
Median earnings (10yr)
75%
Median graduation rate
$27,923
Median net price
1.8%
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 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $73,287 ten years after they first enrolled, about $25,287 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 75%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $27,923 a year, with about $23,250 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 24% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.8%.
What we’re seeing: districts compete hard for credentialed teachers, but the pay ceiling makes affordability decisive. With median earnings near $73,287 and a typical net price of $27,923, 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
Providence College lands at #1 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $87,054 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,523 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 #2
Davidson College lands at #2 with a 65/100 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, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,379 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 #3
Swarthmore College lands at #3 with a 65/100 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, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,149 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 #4
University of Portland lands at #4 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $82,804 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,210 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Philadelphia, PA · 89% accepted · $29,689 net
Why it ranks #5
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia lands at #5 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $86,881 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,689 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 #6
Manhattan University lands at #6 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $86,316 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,256 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Ohio Northern University lands at #7 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $80,928 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,478 a year. 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
Brigham Young University lands at #8 with a 62/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,564 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 #9
Butler University lands at #9 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,235 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,041 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 #10
Immaculata University lands at #10 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,701 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,258 a year. 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 #11
Marist University lands at #11 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $77,819 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,544 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
Linfield University lands at #12 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $78,638 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,536 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 #13
The College of New Jersey lands at #13 with a 59/100 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, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 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
University of Dayton lands at #14 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,537 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,533 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Stonehill College lands at #15 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $77,745 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,016 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
University of Delaware lands at #16 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $72,950 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,799 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 #17
Siena University lands at #17 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $76,079 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,733 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 #18
Molloy University lands at #18 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $77,789 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,347 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Adelphi University lands at #19 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $75,482 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,783 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 #20
Wagner College lands at #20 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $74,360 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,241 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 #21
Elon University lands at #21 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $74,545 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,555 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 #22
University of Scranton lands at #22 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $74,652 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,568 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 #23
Clemson University lands at #23 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $71,513 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,253 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 #24
SUNY College at Geneseo lands at #24 with a 57/100 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, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,211 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 #25
University of Wisconsin-Madison lands at #25 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $73,792 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,354 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 #26
Salve Regina University lands at #26 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $72,975 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,967 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 #27
Iona University lands at #27 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $73,595 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,188 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
James Madison University lands at #28 with a 57/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 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 #29
Drake University lands at #29 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $71,901 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,127 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 #30
University of Florida-Online lands at #30 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 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 #31
The Catholic University of America lands at #31 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $73,250 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,561 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 #32
Illinois Wesleyan University lands at #32 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $70,871 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,199 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 #33
University of Rhode Island lands at #33 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $69,743 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,440 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 #34
Seton Hall University lands at #34 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $70,196 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,446 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 #35
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #35 with a 55/100 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, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 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 #36
Pace University lands at #36 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $70,378 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,892 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 #37
Washington State University lands at #37 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $68,905 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 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 #38
Furman University lands at #38 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $68,635 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,308 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 #39
Texas Christian University lands at #39 with a 55/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $68,424 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,660 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
Bothell, WA · 91% accepted · $12,319 net
Why it ranks #40
University of Washington-Bothell Campus lands at #40 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,319 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Lewis University lands at #41 with a 54/100 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, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 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 #42
CUNY Queens College lands at #42 with a 54/100 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, 15% below 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Mount Saint Mary's University lands at #43 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $72,379 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,413 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 #44
San Francisco State University lands at #44 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 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 #45
Roger Williams University lands at #45 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $70,266 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,999 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 #46
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #46 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $66,990 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 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 #47
DePaul University lands at #47 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $68,751 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,902 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 #48
Hofstra University lands at #48 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $69,039 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,176 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 #49
Duquesne University lands at #49 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $74,742 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,730 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Bradley University lands at #50 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $66,852 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,719 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for an education degree is a significant decision, especially when future earnings are on the table. With average earnings of $95,977 among the top schools in this list, it’s clear that some institutions prepare graduates for successful careers in education better than others.
What really sets these schools apart are their outcomes. High earnings often come hand-in-hand with strong graduation rates and manageable debt levels. The institutions listed below not only show impressive earnings but also reflect a commitment to student success, with an average graduation rate of 84%. This data gives prospective students a clearer picture of what they can expect in terms of financial return on their educational investment.
Take, for example, Vanderbilt University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vanderbilt graduates earn an average of $91,565 and have a graduation rate of 93%, while MIT graduates can expect to earn $143,372, with a 96% graduation rate. However, the tradeoff is evident in net price and debt, with MIT's lower net price of $20,111 compared to Vanderbilt's $15,846. These contrasts highlight the importance of balancing earnings potential with financial feasibility and personal circumstances.
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 43 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.8%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Pace University leads the group at 8.4%, with CUNY Queens College (7.1%) and San Francisco State University (3.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 4.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Queens College enrolls the most, at 20.1%, 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 38.4% across the list, peaking at 55.6% at Pace University.
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 1.77, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Stonehill College is highest at 1.88.
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
When we look closely at the metrics, the difference between schools can be stark. For instance, Babson College has the highest earnings of $123,938 but comes with a higher net price of $40,514. In contrast, Vanderbilt University offers a solid earning potential of $91,565 with a lower net price of $15,846. This indicates that while Babson graduates may earn more, they may also face more financial pressure when it comes to tuition.
After reviewing this list of 50 schools, think about what matters most for you or your student. Is it the potential for high earnings, or is affordability and campus experience more critical? Weighing these factors against personal priorities can help you make an informed choice. Consider visiting campuses, talking to current students, and reflecting on which aspects of a college experience resonate the most.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is influenced by the choices we make today. A college degree in education can lead to fulfilling careers, but it's essential to consider the financial implications. For one family, choosing a school with a lower net price and a strong graduation rate might mean less debt and more opportunities for a secure future. The data here can guide these decisions, leading to more informed, thoughtful choices about education and careers.
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
Highest-Paying Colleges for Education: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking? +
Providence College in Providence, RI ranks #1 in our 2026 Highest-Paying Colleges for Education ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $87,054 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 87% 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? +
Providence College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $87,054 ten years after enrollment, well above the $73,766 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 Queens College leads: graduates earn a median $62,763 against net price of about $4,195 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 74% 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 $26,302 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Queens College is among the most affordable at roughly $4,195. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Highest-Paying 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
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