Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,215/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 348 Teacher Education programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your strong showing here reflects SIU-Carbondale's established reputation for preparing educators who are ready to make an immediate impact. The program likely benefits from deep connections with K-12 districts and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois, fulfilling a consistent regional demand for highly specialized subject teachers. These aren't generalist roles; the emphasis on specific subject areas means you're developing expertise in fields where talent is often scarce, commanding stronger compensation, particularly if you pursue postsecondary teaching. Graduates often find themselves teaching critical subjects like health sciences or earth sciences, filling a vital niche in local educational institutions. To maximize your prospects, cultivate your subject matter expertise rigorously and explore opportunities for dual certification or advanced degrees, positioning yourself for the most in-demand roles, especially within higher education.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Subject-Area Teaching graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $619K $606K $561K
Earnings Multiple 11.7x 11.4x 10.6x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,680
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,679
17% growth from Year 1

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

With 90% of applicants admitted, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,116 in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
View all 30 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools

Compare Subject-Area Teaching

Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

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

What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale one of the best schools for Subject-Area Teaching?
Among 348 Subject-Area Teaching programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →