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Teacher Education at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,715/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (30% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (412,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #553 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 $517K $515K $495K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 72% 62%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$35,500
10.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,213
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,715/yr, Teacher Education graduates from Mercer University land near the $41,412 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.2x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $35,500 debt-to-$39,715 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #553 out of 679 programs, Mercer University's financial outcomes for Teacher Education trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,715 to $50,213 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Mercer University

Mercer University accepts 66% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer 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

Compare this program → View all 679 schools offering Teacher Education →

Teacher Education at Other Schools

University of Illinois Chicago ($60,917) Stockton University ($59,371) Monroe College ($58,194) Pacific Lutheran University ($57,624) Rider University ($57,145) Seton Hall University ($56,300) The College of New Jersey ($56,231) Pierce College District ($55,849)

Other Majors at Mercer University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,787) Engineering, General ($72,403) Social Sciences, General ($61,612) Business/Commerce, General ($52,819) Finance and Financial Management Services ($47,956) Human Resources Management and Services ($47,538) Marketing ($44,203) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($37,319)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Teacher Education trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Mercer University's Teacher Education program score?
This program scores 43/100 — 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 →