Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $39,122 track close to the $41,412 national median for Teacher Education programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 9.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 30% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $28,780 debt-to-$39,122 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #449 out of 679 programs, Francis Marion University's financial outcomes for Teacher Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $39,122 to $40,664 over five years (4% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.