Teacher Education at Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,850/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (30% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (412,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #574 of 679 Teacher Education programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Teacher Education graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $452K $454K $442K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.4x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 72% 62%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,548
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,354
9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,850/yr, Teacher Education graduates from Gardner-Webb University land near the $41,412 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 30% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$39,850 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #574 out of 679 programs, Gardner-Webb University's financial outcomes for Teacher Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $39,850 to $43,354 over five years (9% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Gardner-Webb University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Gardner-Webb University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,836 students in Boiling Springs, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Gardner-Webb University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Education teachers, postsecondary $72,090/yr
Training and development specialists $65,850/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Teacher Education at Other Schools

Other Majors at Gardner-Webb University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gardner-Webb University's Teacher Education program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Teacher Education. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Teacher Education to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Teacher Education careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 30% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →