Best Teacher Education Colleges in Illinois (2026)
Updated
This page ranks the 42 colleges in Illinois that offer a Teacher Education program, ordered by the median earnings of Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. Across the 40 schools with a reported completion median, median earnings range from $64,100 to $35,060, with a median of $47,254.
University of Illinois Chicago leads the list, and for four of the listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.
The list includes 12 public and 30 private nonprofit institutions. University of Illinois Chicago holds the strongest Azimuth composite rank, placing 17th among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally.
Trinity International University-Illinois reports the lowest average net price at $2,835, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign posts the highest six-year completion rate at 85%.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median Teacher Education Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL | $64,100 | $10,974 | $7,529 | 77.4% |
| University of Illinois Chicago ranks 17th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally and reports an average net price of $10,974. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (76 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (49 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($64,100), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($63,233) | |||||
| 2 | Chicago State University · Chicago, IL | $59,296 | $12,335 | $9,073 | 43.3% |
| Chicago State University posts median earnings of $59,296 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, the top figure among schools with a reported earnings cohort on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (13 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (7 graduates) | |||||
| 3 | Saint Xavier University · Chicago, IL | $58,097 | $10,970 | $7,572 | 84.3% |
| A private nonprofit university in Chicago, Saint Xavier University admits 84% of applicants and reports an average net price of $10,970. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (27 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($58,097), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($53,898) | |||||
| 4 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL | $55,105 | $14,355 | $2,038 | 42.4% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates 85% within six years and reports an average net price of $2,038 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (131 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (57 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($60,685), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($55,105), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,409) | |||||
| 5 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $54,208 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 75.9% |
| DePaul University ranks 276th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally and reports an average net price of $30,902. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (68 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (36 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,957), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($54,208) | |||||
| 6 | Loyola University Chicago · Chicago, IL | $53,896 | $36,079 | $28,992 | 81.6% |
| Loyola University Chicago reports median earnings of $53,896 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 73%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (53 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates) | |||||
| 7 | Dominican University · River Forest, IL | $53,810 | $11,745 | $9,759 | 90.3% |
| With an admission rate of 90%, Dominican University reports median earnings of $53,810 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($53,810) | |||||
| 8 | Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL | $52,176 | $14,109 | $13,709 | 74.6% |
| Northeastern Illinois University reports median earnings of $52,176 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $13,709 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (109 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (27 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,176) | |||||
| 9 | Elmhurst University · Elmhurst, IL | $52,106 | $24,185 | $17,892 | 73.6% |
| Elmhurst University ranks 614th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally and reports a six-year completion rate of 70%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (48 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (36 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($56,411), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($52,106) | |||||
| 10 | Lewis University · Romeoville, IL | $51,794 | $17,028 | $10,382 | 71.3% |
| Lewis University admits 71% of applicants and reports an average net price of $10,382 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (61 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($51,794) | |||||
| 11 | Knox College · Galesburg, IL | $50,828 | $24,595 | $17,134 | 70.8% |
| Knox College reports median earnings of $50,828 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, above the list median of $47,254. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,828) | |||||
| 12 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | $50,385 | $13,391 | $10,126 | 69.8% |
| Northern Illinois University ranks 116th on Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally and reports an average net price of $13,391. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (127 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (40 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($53,672), Special Education and Teaching ($53,148), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,385) | |||||
| 13 | Trinity Christian College · Palos Heights, IL | $49,476 | $19,125 | $12,891 | 84.9% |
| Trinity Christian College, a private nonprofit university in Palos Heights, reports an average net price of $19,125 and a six-year completion rate of 58%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (29 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (23 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($55,713), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,476) | |||||
| 14 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $49,240 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 88.2% |
| Illinois State University admits 88% of applicants and ranks 137th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (471 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (147 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (141 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,452), Special Education and Teaching ($52,864), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($49,240) | |||||
| 15 | North Central College · Naperville, IL | $49,224 | $21,044 | $12,507 | 77.3% |
| North Central College in Naperville posts a six-year completion rate of 64% and an average net price of $12,507 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (47 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (7 graduates) | |||||
| 16 | Trinity International University-Illinois · Deerfield, IL | $48,814 | $2,835 | $1,242 | 100.0% |
| Trinity International University-Illinois reports $48,814 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $2,835. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (9 graduates) | |||||
| 17 | Wheaton College · Wheaton, IL | $48,374 | $26,975 | $20,001 | 87.4% |
| Wheaton College graduates 85% of its students within six years and reports $48,374 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (33 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,374) | |||||
| 18 | University of St Francis · Joliet, IL | $48,353 | $13,006 | $8,547 | 65.3% |
| University of St Francis admits 65% of applicants and reports $48,353 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (11 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates) | |||||
| 19 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL | $48,127 | $13,297 | $9,415 | 86.9% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, a public university in Carbondale, posts a six-year completion rate of 62% and an average net price of $13,297. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (120 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (61 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (36 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($67,961), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,127) | |||||
| 20 | Augustana College · Rock Island, IL | $47,613 | $22,736 | $15,787 | 62.7% |
| Augustana College admits 63% of applicants and reports an average net price of $15,787 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (59 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,092), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,613) | |||||
| 21 | Governors State University · University Park, IL | $46,895 | $12,329 | $9,563 | 48.3% |
| Governors State University reports $46,895 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing and admits 48% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,895) | |||||
| 22 | Rockford University · Rockford, IL | $46,780 | $22,436 | $20,877 | 92.9% |
| Rockford University in Rockford posts a six-year completion rate of 47% and reports $46,780 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (28 graduates), Education, Other (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,780) | |||||
| 23 | Aurora University · Aurora, IL | $46,609 | $18,838 | $14,525 | 80.9% |
| Aurora University reports $46,609 in median earnings for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $18,838. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (74 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (20 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,609) | |||||
| 24 | Bradley University · Peoria, IL | $46,460 | $22,719 | $17,269 | 76.8% |
| Bradley University, a private nonprofit university in Peoria, posts a six-year completion rate of 76% and ranks 587th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (51 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (24 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,325), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,460) | |||||
| 25 | National Louis University · Chicago, IL | $46,398 | $12,641 | $12,462 | 95.1% |
| National Louis University, a private nonprofit university in Chicago, reports median earnings of $46,398 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (215 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,398) | |||||
| 26 | Judson University · Elgin, IL | $45,830 | $18,558 | $15,701 | 47.6% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 60%, Judson University ranks 26th on this list and posts an average net price of $18,558. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (12 graduates) | |||||
| 27 | Millikin University · Decatur, IL | $45,797 | $21,989 | $18,659 | 66.7% |
| Millikin University admits 67% of applicants and shows a six-year completion rate of 55% alongside an average net price of $21,989. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (34 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (27 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($52,910), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,797) | |||||
| 28 | Concordia University-Chicago · River Forest, IL | $45,532 | $18,436 | $16,795 | 92.8% |
| Concordia University-Chicago ranks 520th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $18,436. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (38 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (20 graduates), Education, General (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($55,212), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,532) | |||||
| 29 | Olivet Nazarene University · Bourbonnais, IL | $45,455 | $20,729 | $17,232 | 55.9% |
| An average net price of $17,232 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a six-year completion rate of 61% at Olivet Nazarene University. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (36 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (27 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($48,009), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,455) | |||||
| 30 | Illinois Wesleyan University · Bloomington, IL | $44,923 | $28,199 | $17,732 | 39.3% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University is the most selective school on the page, admitting 39% of applicants, and graduates 75% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (12 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (6 graduates) | |||||
| 31 | Eureka College · Eureka, IL | $44,805 | $17,349 | $13,711 | 85.0% |
| Eureka College reports median earnings of $44,805 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $17,349. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (24 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,805) | |||||
| 32 | Benedictine University · Lisle, IL | $44,659 | $22,313 | $20,168 | 95.2% |
| Graduates of Benedictine University earn a median of $44,659 four years after completing their Teacher Education program, and the school admits 95% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,659) | |||||
| 33 | University of Illinois Springfield · Springfield, IL | $44,458 | $9,833 | $5,778 | 85.9% |
| A public university in Springfield, University of Illinois Springfield carries an average net price of $9,833 and ranks 400th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (14 graduates) | |||||
| 34 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL | $43,916 | $14,889 | $8,483 | 97.5% |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits 98% of applicants and reports an average net price of $8,483 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (86 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Special Education and Teaching ($43,928), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,916) | |||||
| 35 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $43,279 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 71.2% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 45%, Western Illinois University ranks 35th on this list and posts an average net price of $12,937. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (45 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (12 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($51,255), Special Education and Teaching ($45,395), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,279) | |||||
| 36 | Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL | $43,190 | $12,786 | $9,828 | 65.4% |
| Eastern Illinois University ranks 585th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $9,828 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (84 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (26 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (26 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($54,548), Special Education and Teaching ($47,566), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,190) | |||||
| 37 | Greenville University · Greenville, IL | $42,180 | $19,533 | $19,181 | 97.5% |
| Greenville University reports median earnings of $42,180 for its Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 40%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,180) | |||||
| 38 | Monmouth College · Monmouth, IL | $42,058 | $17,133 | $12,483 | 90.9% |
| With an average net price of $17,133, Monmouth College admits 91% of applicants and ranks 1216th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (8 graduates) | |||||
| 39 | Roosevelt University · Chicago, IL | $37,671 | $20,194 | $18,018 | 97.2% |
| Roosevelt University, a private nonprofit university in Chicago, reports median earnings of $37,671 for its Teacher Education graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (46 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (25 graduates) | |||||
| 40 | North Park University · Chicago, IL | $37,424 | $16,948 | $14,845 | 68.5% |
| North Park University posts a six-year completion rate of 58% and an average net price of $14,845 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (11 graduates) | |||||
| 41 | McKendree University · Lebanon, IL | $35,959 | $24,717 | $21,928 | 71.7% |
| Ranking 1052nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, McKendree University reports median earnings of $35,959 for its Teacher Education graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (14 graduates), Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (9 graduates) | |||||
| 42 | Quincy University · Quincy, IL | $35,060 | $20,359 | $16,502 | 50.9% |
| Quincy University admits 51% of applicants and reports median earnings of $35,060 for its Teacher Education graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (17 graduates), Special Education and Teaching (6 graduates) | |||||
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Teacher Education graduates four years after completing, or two years for programs that report only a two-year figure, highest first. The figure covers federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled, measured after completing the program. For 4 of the 42 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The figures cited on this page cover the 40 schools with a reported completion median. The spread from top to bottom is $29,040, with University of Illinois Chicago leading the list and Chicago State University in second place.
Job market context in Illinois
The occupations linked to Teacher Education in Illinois include roles such as Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary. The median annual wage across those occupations is $75,341, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $59,066. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 3.2% higher, with about 606 openings a year for every hundred graduates, more projected openings than graduates. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses graduate earnings four years after completing, not the broader occupational wage figures described here.