No one can tell where the trends will ultimately lead with certainty, but trends are trends nonetheless. The increasing digitization and sheer amount of knowledge available have led to an ever-increasing need to interpret, organize, and distribute that information in ways that people and institutions can utilize.

The Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation program is one such program that has risen to meet the demand, first in the field of psychology and now in many areas, including education. This evolution of program evaluation and its extensive use in both public and private sectors has given rise to a wealth of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools.

Learning how to use these tools in testing, designing data-collection systems, implementing decisions based on evidence from assessments, and spurring positive change through statistics is what the graduate of assessment, measurement, and evaluation degree does.

Specifically, in high demand today are those with the ability to create, maintain, interpret, and communicate data in the educational world.  With increasing standardized testing, technologies designed to track student learning calls for more institutional accountability and government oversight, the job prospects mirror the demand.

What goes into a Master’s in Educational Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation (EAME)?

A Master’s (MEd, MA, or MS) in EAME is focused on the foundational knowledge and skills in assessing learning, both individually and institutionally, measuring and analyzing data, and evaluating data through testing, surveys, and other techniques of collecting it. (For programs that are designed for current or aspiring classroom teachers, visit our ranking of the Best Online Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees.)

The purpose of EAME practitioners is to improve student learning by enhancing institutional effectiveness.  Since EAME is interdisciplinary, a degree in this field will draw from social science, research design, and psychology.

Historically the EAME degree had a social science and psychology focus. However, now the demand for highly-skilled analysts has spilled into many areas from K-12 schools, institutions of higher learning, government agencies, testing companies, and the corporate world.

Coursework includes learning psychometrics, a field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, and personality traits, qualitative/quantitative measurement or research, statistics, multivariate analysis, classical test theory.

Additionally, it includes designing evaluation instruments or technology, and various educational courses in ethics, assessment, or learning environments.

A master’s degree in EAME is 30-45 credits while a graduate certificate in EAME is 12-18.  Some degrees under the EAME umbrella are Educational Diagnostics, a specific EAME degree for special education settings, mostly focused on individuals, and Curriculum and Instruction or Educational Leadership with an assessment focus.

We have also included some outstanding graduate certificate programs in EAME, and some curriculum or leadership focused degree that adds the evaluation piece.

What is the job outlook for an EAME degree?

Graduate work in EAME can prepare you for a career as a researcher and analyst in several fields, including academic institutions, state and federal agencies, school districts, the testing and evaluation industry, marketing research, and large-scale test management.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is s projected to grow 27 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. BLS States: " Growth is expected to result from the more widespread use of statistical analysis to make informed business, healthcare, and policy decisions."

Possible jobs and median salaries (according to Payscale) include:

• Research Analyst - $51,754
• Directors of assessment - $73,099
• Psychometricians - $78,603
• College and university professors - $84,632
• Directors of institutional research - $79,480
• Educational Diagnostician - $57,857

What are the best degrees in EAME?

The answer to this depends on what you’re looking for.  The best degrees fit your needs and goals. Most people seeking an online EAME program are seeking career advancement, though the degree is accessible to those with little to no experience.

If you’re seeking to move from a master’s to a Ph.D., be sure the degree is not terminal and lean towards MS degrees.  If you want to move up in your job, a graduate certificate may work.  If your skills are geared toward leadership, look for EAME programs that include coursework in leadership or educational administration.

Those more inclined to dealing with hard-data, designing systems of data, be sure to check that coursework includes statistics, multivariate analysis, classic test theory, and psychometrics.

What is your methodology for ranking the schools on the list?

The source for our statistics and data can be found in the IPEDS database, courtesy of the National Center for Education Statistics, reputable ranking organizations such as U.S. News and World Report, Payscale.com (to determine average salaries and job outlook), and the American Evaluation Association.

The way we rank each school is to select relevant criteria, assign a score to each category, and calculate a total score.  For this particular ranking, we assigned 15 percent for each of two U.S. News and World Report rankings, 30 percent for the tuition per credit, 30 percent for the average mid-career salary (taken from Payscale), and 10 percent for the average GRE quantitative score.

For our descriptions of programs, we use the schools' websites to find general and specific features such as admission requirements, the number of credit hours, coursework, and features such as final projects or master’s thesis.  As always, it is our hope our work contributes to your success in finding the school and program that is right for you. Godspeed!

 

1.University of Florida

With approximately 37,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate students, the University of Florida is a sizable university offering ample choice and flexibility. Research is a focus with a record $724 million last fiscal year. Commendable and pleasantly surprising, 56 percent of students graduate with no student loan debt.

The MA in Education of Research and Evaluation Methodology with a major in Program Evaluation in Educational Environments at UF is offered through the College of Education.  The online format is convenient, and the long-term investment is worth the cost.  The degree features a focus on theory-based practices and knowledge for researching, assessing, and applying evaluation in educational settings, but also social work, public health, and medicine, non-profit organizations and businesses.  Coursework includes Evaluation of Educational Products and Systems, Designing and Conducting Qualitative Research, and Evaluation Communication and Ethics in Educational Environments culminating in a master’s project that synthesizes the theory, knowledge, and skills gained the coursework. Admission considers a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, relevant work and life experiences, undergraduate GPA and GRE scores.

The impeccable reputation for online graduate education and a #1 ranking from US News and World Report for Best Online Graduate Education is part of why UF is first on our list.  The University is worth financial consideration: Their tuition per credit is $690, which is affordable, but even more attractive is the average mid-career salary of $152,000, the highest on our list.

 

2. The University of Illinois at Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago is “dedicated to the discovery and distribution of knowledge.”  UIC is located on 240 urban acres in Chicago, Illinois and enrolls 29,000 students, making it the largest university in the Chicago.  Known for research, the School offers 85 bachelor’s, 98 master’s, and 65 doctoral degrees.

If you are looking for a career in research, assessment, and measurement in school districts, academic institutions, state and federal agencies, healthcare, testing organizations, or even private businesses, UIC is worth consideration.  The online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment provides flexibility, academic rigor and online convenience, a desirable combination in today’s world.  The program is 32 credits and typically takes about two years to complete with part-time attendance.  Nationally-recognized faculty guide, teach, and mentor students through four major psychometric paradigms: Item Response Theory, Rasch Measurement, Generalizability Theory and Classical Test Theory.   Perfect for someone with no experience or a seasoned professional, the distance format is entirely online with no campus visits required.

UIC’s ranking by U.S. News and World Report for Best Education School is #24, and for Best Graduate Online Schools is #10 creating assurance the program is of the highest quality.  Tuition per credit is $351, the lowest on our list, and mid-career salary is $102,000 making the cost very doable and the ROI outstanding.

 

3.  Georgia State University

 

Located in downtown Atlanta and bustling with the activity of 53,000 students is Georgia State University.  The largest of the schools in the University System of Georgia means GSU leaves a big footprint.  The University is known for research and diversity, and it offers 100 fields of study and 250 degree programs.

Earning your MS in Educational Research through the Georgia ONmyLINE (GOML) program is convenient, flexible, and dependable.  The degree features the most relevant training in quantitative analysis, educational methodology, statistics, measurement, program evaluation, survey research, computer applications, and qualitative research.  Knowing you are taught the same curriculum as on-campus degrees and the fact that your diploma will not indicate the “online” degree, leads to confidence in your job search.  Jobs are plentiful for educational researchers in academic settings, but also for public agencies, testing services, healthcare, and private industry. The MS in ER through GOML program is 36 credit hours, with the potential of nine transfer credits.  Besides preparing you for career advancement, it also sets the stage for continued work at the doctoral level.

The Commission accredits Georgia State University on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).   Knowing the flat rate tuition per credit is $385, the second lowest of our top 20, and the mid-career salary of $126,000 adds further confidence that GSU could be the place for you.

 

4.  University of Iowa

Founded only 59 days after Iowa became a state in 1847, the University of Iowa has always been on the frontier.  The University enrolls 31,000 students who are offered more than 200 programs of study.  There is a strong research emphasis at UI, which has research centers in diabetes, cancer, audiology, and blindness.

The MA in Educational Measurement and Statistics is offered online in the non-thesis version.  The program is 32 credits.  Courses in include Introduction to Statistical Methods, Intermediate Statistical Methods, Quantitative Educational Research Methodologies, and more; the Program does include a six-hour final comprehensive exam.  The Degree prepares you to work in school districts, state departments of education, test organizations, and research centers.   The skills of data analysis, statistics, and evaluation tools and systems will be applied to help bring institutional improvement or to help improve policy.  Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.00, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. For those interested in pursuing a Ph.D., the on-campus, thesis version is recommended.

Receiving a ranking of #43 for Best Education Schools and #16 for Best Graduate Online Schools by U.S. News and World Report, is a reliable witness to the vitality of the online program.  With a tuition of $504 per credit and the mid-career salary at $120,000, U of I deserves to be in the top five.

 

5.  Florida State University

Florida State University football has a rich tradition reaching back to 1899, but education has an even richer one. Founded in 1851, FSU is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. With an enrollment of 41,500 students, FSU is diverse and offers a vast array of studies. In fact, the School offers and incredible 341 degree programs.

At FSU, the online certificate program in Institutional Research focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in measurement theory, statistical analysis, and evaluation.  Students explore institutional, state, and national databases, and learn best practices in the field from experienced faculty.  The application of knowledge and skills is geared toward educational policy organizational improvement.  The program is 18 credits and includes a capstone practicum. The online format is asynchronous, meaning there is no set times and classes. Though face-to-face technology is not used regularly, faculty personalizes instruction through Blackboard and phone conversations.  Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and no GRE score.

Affordability and quality intersect at FSU.  The cost per credit is $1,110 with a $107,000 average mid-career salary; the school was ranked #52 in the country for Best Education Schools by U.S. News and World Report.

 

6.  Northern Illinois University

With a quarter of a million alumni around the country and world, Northern Illinois University is making an impact.  Founded in 1895 and located in DeKalb, Illinois, 65 miles west of Chicago, NU offers 19,000 students 57 undergraduate majors and 69 graduate programs.  The University has satellite centers in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Rockford, and Oregon.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Research and Evaluation is offered face-to-face, online, and hybrid. Some choice is built into the degree with a general track or with an area of study in advanced quantitative methods, in assessment, or in program evaluation.  The
ERE program is 36 credits and features a practicum experience, thesis or project or portfolio, and a comprehensive exam.  You will learn to plan and design educational evaluations, implement and interpret qualitative and statistical data analytic procedures, and relate the findings to educational and social science policy.The intention of the degree is for working professionals. However, undergraduates and those with little experience in the field are admitted.  Up to 15 transfer credits can apply towards your degree at NU.

The University is ranked #4 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Graduate Education.  Tuition is cheap at $520 per credit, and when you look at the mid-career salary of $114,000, you can bet on the fact that NU is a solid choice.

 

7.  University of North Texas

The first building on the University of North Texas campus was the Normal Building, completed in 1891 where a fence kept out straying livestock.  Now one of the nation’s largest public research universities with 37,000 students and offers degrees in 100 bachelor’s, 83 master’s, and 37 doctoral programs.

Delivered entirely online for maximum flexibility and convenience, UNT’s MS in Educational Psychology, Concentration in Research & Evaluation prepares graduates for careers in educational institutions as researchers, evaluators, and leaders in bringing effective change to organizations.  Since the degree is 100 percent online, it is very adaptable, whether you decide to enter full-time or part-time.  In only two summers and an academic year (15 months) the degree can be completed; however, if you want to focus during the summers and minimize classes during the academic year due to your work schedule, that is a feasible option. The curriculum includes knowledge and skills like research, evaluation and analysis, assessment of individuals and programs, descriptive and inferential statistics and more.

The University of North Texas offers convenience and adaptability as well as an outstanding reputation and affordability that can’t be beaten. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNT #13 in Best Graduate Online Schools, and tuition is doable at $710 per credit.  The $113,000 mid-career salary tops off the UNT experience.

 

8.  Texas A & M University

The history of the Texas A&M Aggies goes back to 1846. Established as a land, sea, and space-grant institution means research is critical. In fact, annual research expenditures are over $866 million. Overall, Texas A&M offers hundreds of degrees in just about any field to the 66,000 students attending.

Texas A & M offers the Online Masters in Research, Measurement, and Statistics also referred to as the MERITS Program (Measurement, Educational Planning, Research Methods, Instrumentation, Testing, and Statistics).  The Program is a MEd program offered through the Department of Educational Psychology. Features of the 36 credit-hour MERITS degree include delivery in asynchronous and synchronous formatted courses, no thesis required, no residency requirements, and faculty who are internationally recognized for excellence in the quality of the on-campus degree. Preparation is accomplished through coursework in research, statistics, evaluation, instructional design, and field experience.  Admission includes a minimum GPA (3.0 recommended), biographical profile, GRE scores (the average score is 152), and an interview.

In considering Texas A&M, you will be pleased with their reputation and financial picture.  Ranked #38 for Best Education Schools by U.S. News and World Report, you know your training is relevant and compelling.  Calculating the cost of $883 per credit and placing it next to the long term $99,700 mid-career salary hammers home the fact that Texas A&M won’t disappoint.

 

9.  Sam Houston State University

Noting the motto, “The Measure of a Life is its Service” is getting to the heart of Sam Houston State University.  The School has seven colleges offering 20,000 students 80 bachelor's, more than 50 master’s, and six doctoral programs, including nationally-recognized programs in Business, Fine Arts, Education, Mathematics and Criminal Justice.

SHSU offers an online Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Assessment and Institutional Research; the program is offered as a certificate or in combination with the MA in Higher Education Administration (also online).  The certificate program is particularly suited for educational professional, leaders, and administrators seeking to learn data-driven and evidence-based knowledge and skills to apply to school improvement.  The curriculum features best practices and the most relevant knowledge in assessment, institutional research, data management, analysis, and leadership.  The Higher Education Assessment and Institutional Research certificate are 15 credits, and the MA with a certificate is 36 credits.

The lowest tuition of our list at $286 per credit is a highlight of SHSU.  With that kind of affordability and a $70,500 mid-career salary, you will have an excellent opportunity to avoid getting into long-term debt. SHSU is ranked #22 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Online Graduate Education.

 

10.  University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is the oldest private research institution in California and one of the most respected in the world. Academics are the priority with 229 National Merit Scholars in the 2016 freshman class.  There are 44,000 total students with over 20,000 graduate and professional students.  USC’s impact is felt with $8 billion in economic impact every year.

“Let whoever earns the palm bear it” is USC’s motto.  Should you “earn the palm” of the Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology, you will be prepared to enter high-paying and satisfying jobs as an Educational Program Designer, Instructional Design and Evaluation Specialist/Instructional Systems’ Designer, or Performance Assessment Manager.  This degree is not focused solely on research and statistics, as some other assessment degrees are, it combines the creative design element with the evaluation piece.  Courses include Assessment and Evaluation, Instructional Design, Media Selection and Evaluation, and Design of Learning Environments.  Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.00, and GRE scores, the average at USC being 158.

The biggest draw, besides California beaches, is the excellent reputation of USC academically; U.S. News and World Report ranked it #15 for Best Education Schools. Tuition is the highest on our list at $1666 per credit, certainly a more expensive option, however, if the mid-career salary of $144,000 is taken into account the ROI is still favorable.

 

11. University of Alabama Birmingham

At University of Alabama-Birmingham their dream is great: “To educate, advance discovery, care for the sick, respond to the needs of our community and establish Alabama as a progressive economic center that can change the world.”  UAB offers 51 bachelor’s, 54 master’s, 40 doctoral, and four specialist degrees to 18,000 students.  The University is known for outstanding medical education, research, and community engagement.

UAB’s College of Education offers an online MEd in School Psychometry or a graduate certificate. The School Psychometry Program is for educators who have at least two years of experience and a valid license.  The program features training in administering, analyzing, and implementing testing and test results for individuals and programs.  The difference between the School Psychometry Program and an evaluation and assessment program is the latter is focused on data, statistics, and school policy, while the former is more student focused with a counselor bent.   Should you be interested in careers as a psychological psychometrist, consultant, administrator, and even a business owner, this degree could be what you’re looking for.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UAB #29 for Best Online Graduate Education giving you the confidence that the investment is worth it and that employers recognize a UAB degree.  The ROI is good with a mid-career salary of $82,100 with a cost per credit of $1167.

 

12. Kent State University

Located in Kent, Ohio, Kent State University is a public research university. KSU has seven regional campuses located in Ashtabula, Burton, East Liverpool, Jackson Township, New Philadelphia, Salem, and Warren as well.  There are over 34,000 students who are taught by award-winning faculty at the main campus.  KSU offers over 300 degree programs.

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services offers a MEd in Evaluation and Measurement that is 100 percent online.  The program is designed for teachers and administrators seeking applied measurement, research, and evaluation skills for use in PK-12 and higher education, as well as professionals seeking careers in the areas of evaluation, research, and psychometrics.  Courses such as Qualitative Research Design, Factor Analysis, and Classical Test Theory are mostly delivered face-to-face.  Admission requires a 3.0 GPA or higher in an undergraduate degree, two letters of recommendation, and a personal goal statement.  The 32-credit program typically takes two to four years to complete.

Ranked #72 for Best Online Graduate Schools by U.S. News and World Report gives KSU credibility.  A tuition of $881 per credit makes it affordable, and knowing the demand for educational researchers and those with skills in data analysis and teaching is high makes the investment worth it.

 

13. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, 35 miles west of Detroit and eight miles east of Ann Arbor. Founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School, EMU is now over 800 acres and educates 23,000 students.  More than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through five colleges, the Honors College, and Graduate School.

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Assessment (EDA) aims to improve student learning through the application of relevant assessment.  The 12-credit program features courses in  Principles and Issues in Educational Assessment, Designing Classroom Assessments, Analyzing Student, and Principles of Educational Research.  The degree is not data-focused with statistical training and advanced research techniques like an MS in Evaluation, Measurement, and Research is, however, the certificate program will provide the knowledge and skills for advancing into leadership positions within your school.  Very significant to note is the fact that should you choose EMU online from out-of-state, you need to check if your state is a SARA member.

The tuition at EMU is $1160 per credit, and the mid-career salary is $113,000 making a good ROI.  EMU is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and is a military-friendly school.

 

14. University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is located in Storrs, Connecticut about 30 minutes from Hartford. The School enrolls 30,000 students who can choose from over 120 programs.  UConn is a "Public Ivy" and member of Universitas 21.

A 12-Credit Online Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation is offered at UConn.  The program is designed for working professionals such as directors of evaluation, senior research associates, research and evaluation analysts, and evaluation scientists and leaders.  Teachers who are interested in the field may also apply but must have or complete prerequisite in statistics or quantitative research.  The curriculum includes the most up-to-date tools of evaluation through four courses: Methods and Techniques of Research, Introduction to Program Evaluation, Advanced Program Evaluation, and the Evaluation Practicum.   Graduates of the program note the effectiveness and real-world education of the practicum and the Capstone Project in Advanced Program Evaluation.

UConn has a tradition of academic excellence.  It is particularly noted in their School of Education; U.S. News and World Report ranked UConn #27 for Best Education School.  Tuition is not cheap, though, at $1982 per credit.

 

15. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is land-grant school founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky.  Since then, UK has grown into a school of 30,000 total students and offering hundreds of degree options. The campus life at UK is very active with Greek Life and over 250 student groups.

The Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation at UK offers an MS in Research Methods in Education (RMinE) or the Graduate Certificate RMinE.  The MS in RMinE is 37 credits, and the Certificate is 15, and both are offered online asynchronously.  Given recent educational policies and administrative requirements from the government, and the growth of digital and smart technology, the need and ability to test, evaluate, improve, and implement change with data-driven systems and frameworks makes the RMinE program extremely relevant and timely.  The coursework trains students to design and analyze research, skills in the methodology of testing and evaluation, and leadership training specific to educational contexts.  Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 2.75, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

With a respected reputation, a #72 ranking for Best Education Schools, the convenience of online learning, and a promising ROI, the University of Kentucky could be the ideal place to move up in your career or enter into the career you’ve always wanted.

17.  National Louis University

Founded in 1886 National-Louis University offers over 60 undergraduate programs through two colleges: The National College of Education and the College of Professional Studies and Advancement. NLU’s main campus is in Chicago, Illinois, but NLU also has locations in and near Chicago, as well as in Wisconsin, Florida and Nowy Sącz, Poland; the School serves 8000 total students.

The M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at NLU is offered online, on-campus, or blended for ultimate flexibility and convenience.  The Degree can lead to National Board Certification and has the option of adding a Teacher Leader Endorsement.  The unique focus of the MEd in TLA is the combination of becoming an expert in differentiated and formative learning and educational assessment and research.  Whether you are a seasoned teacher seeking advancement or an undergrad finding a career path, NLU’s TLA program provides you a way forward.  It should be noted that admission to the TLA with Teacher Leader Endorsement requires two years teaching experience.  The Degree is 32 credits and does require a research project.

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of NLU’s program is the cost and long-term investment; tuition is $685, and the mid-career salary is $74,600. If the unique combination of teaching and learning with assessment and research is what you’re looking for, NLU may be the ideal fit.

 

18. Walden University

Founded in 1970, Walden University is a for-profit Public Benefit Corporation.  WU is primarily an online graduate institution for working professionals; 80 percent of students are enrolled in graduate programs. The School enrolls 56,000 students all over the United States and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Walden knows online education.  The MS in Education, Curriculum Instruction and Assessment is a 30 credit program that can be completed entirely online and mostly, in the time you are willing and able to.  The program emphasizes educational assessment and research in combination with training in designing curriculum and effective teaching.  Coursework includes Enhancing Learning for Diverse Populations, Assessment for Student Learning, Action Research for Educators, and Differentiated Instruction.  This is not strictly measurement, assessment, and evaluation of more coursework and focuses on statistics and psychometrics, for example.  The Degree is especially suited for teachers seeking leadership positions.

Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Core Propositions and Early Adolescent and Middle Childhood Generalist Standards means WU’s program is recognized and credible.  Tuition is $570 per credit, and the mid-career salary is $63,611.

 

19. American University

American University is a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts school in Washington D.C.  AU currently enrolls 7200 students and offers 68 bachelor’s, 76 master’s, and 11 doctoral degrees.  The University has over 100 study abroad options, is known for being one of the most politically active campuses and has a 12:1 student to faculty ratio.

The online MS in Measurement & Evaluation at American University is affordable, flexible, and respected.  Designed for a broad-based and foundational training that can be utilized in corporate, nonprofit and governmental environments.  The curriculum features multidisciplinary content with courses in Principles & Theories of Evaluation, Emerging Technology Trends, Emerging Trends in Evaluation Sciences, and a capstone research project.  The degree is 36 credits and takes two years to complete.  Knowing the curriculum was designed with the advice of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Save the Children is attractive.

The tuition per credit is the third highest on our list at $1579, which is something that may take AU out of the running for you.  Be aware though, that the mid-career salary does make up for it as AU is the third highest on our list at $139,000, securing a good ROI.

 

20. University of Akron

Buchtel College was founded in Akron, Ohio in 1870 opening its doors to 46 students. Now the University of Akron is a leading STEM-focused school serving 23,000 students representing 45 U.S. states and 92 foreign countries; Akron offers and more than 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs.

If you are a current or future educator interested in the emerging field of assessment, measurement, and evaluation, Akron has the degree for you.  The Master's Program in Educational Foundations: Assessment & Evaluation program prepares you to lead in your schools, school districts, or state.  The 30-credit program features relevant training in practical applications of assessment, evaluation, and data-driven decision making, best practices, and disciplines in the field.  After nine credits of foundational and 21 credits of core courses, you take a comprehensive exam (or compile a portfolio) and complete a capstone research project.  Graduate assistantships are available.

Tuition at UA is attractive and affordable at $715 per credit.  The mid-career salary is $49,500 still retaining a decent return, though it is lower than other schools on the list.  UA is ranked #168 by U.S. News and World Report for Best Education Schools.