Best Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 343 U.S. colleges offering Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 50 states.
About Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language programs
The Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language program prepares students to teach English or French to non-native speakers. This program is ideal for individuals interested in language education and cultural exchange, providing them with the skills necessary to effectively communicate and teach in diverse environments. Students may choose to specialize in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language.
Learn more about Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language →
Students in this program will develop core skills such as reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking. They will gain knowledge in English language instruction, education and training methodologies, and effective communication strategies, equipping them to adapt their teaching methods to meet the varying needs of their students.
Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alliant International University - San Diego San Diego, CA Private for-profit · Graduate degree | $64,580 | 97 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PA Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $49,362 | 6 | 75% | $25,675 | $26,500 |
| 3 | CUNY Queens College Queens, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,923 | 63 | 53% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,267 | 17 | 68% | — | $26,250 |
| 5 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,002 | 5 | 80% | — | $24,500 |
| 6 | Augusta University Augusta, GA Public · Certificate degree | $36,305 | 6 | 49% | — | $26,000 |
| 7 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $34,876 | 90 | 65% | $28,911 | $27,000 |
| 8 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Certificate degree | $23,288 | 21 | 85% | — | $19,000 |
| 9 | Ashford University San Diego, CA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $22,257 | 4 | 11% | $26,445 | $35,391 |
| 10 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH Public · Certificate degree | $22,149 | 28 | 64% | — | $25,500 |
Offered across 50 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-3011, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors, and its national outlook.
Careers in this field may include roles as ESL or French language instructors. The job outlook indicates a decline of 13.7%, with approximately 3,900 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $59,950, and a typical education requirement is a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
- Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
- Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language InstructorCIP 13.1401
A program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English, and that may prepare individuals to
- Teaching French as a Second or Foreign LanguageCIP 13.1402
A program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching French to students who are not proficient in French or who do not speak, read, or write French, and prepares individuals to serve as t
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language, OtherCIP 13.1499
Any program in teaching English or French as a second or foreign language not listed above.
Common questions
What is the difference between TESL, TEFL, and TESOL?+
TESL refers to teaching English to speakers of other languages in English-speaking countries, while TEFL is for teaching in non-English-speaking countries. TESOL encompasses both.
What specializations are available in this program?+
Students can specialize in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, Teaching French as a Second or Foreign Language, or other related areas.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking, among others.
What educational background is needed for this program?+
A typical education requirement for careers in this field is a bachelor's degree.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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