Teacher Education at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,282/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #255 of 348 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 $558K $552K $518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.6x 10.4x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$52,848
Out-of-state: $133,624 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,872
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,804
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,644
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,282 place University of Kentucky below the $41,690 national median for Teacher Education — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Teacher Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,804 against $35,282/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #255 ranking among 348 Teacher Education programs places University of Kentucky in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $35,282 to $52,644 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,189 students enrolled in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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

Teacher Education at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Teacher Education at University of Kentucky?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Teacher Education programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Teacher Education at University of Kentucky?
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 University of Kentucky a good choice for Teacher Education despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kentucky's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →