Student in need of advice
Hello Nick and Welcome to the Forum!
You're asking a loaded question, right off the bat, one that others have asked on the forum. The best answer to give is first:
Check with your Professor! While you're a music ed major and presumably aren't doubling your major in performance, your professor should be best placed to give you some solid advice. He/she knows your abilities and skills far better than anyone here, so check with your prof!
The next thing to consider is what you plan to do with the instrument after you complete your studies. Are you going to continue a master's program somewhere in music? Do you plan on performing after your education is complete? If so, then you may want to invest in a professional level horn, one that you'll keep with you for years to come.
Then there are the aspects of the instrument itself. Auto-compensating, or not? Three plus one valve arrangement, or all four up top? Large bore, or smaller, including the euro shank models? (All this is before you get to the silver plate, nickel plate, or lacquer options.)
Why don't you tell us a little more about your plans and go from there?
There are lots of folks on this forum who know what there is to know about the euphonium, so you're sure to hear some excellent advice here.
U.S. Army, Retired (built mid-1950s)
Adams E2 Euph (built 2017)
Boosey & Co. Imperial Euph (built 1941)
Edwards B454 Bass Trombone (built 2012)
Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb tuba (built 1958)
Kanstul 33-T lBBb tuba (built 2010)