Teacher Education at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,677/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #295 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 $560K $554K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.4x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,617
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $34,677/yr fall 17% below the $41,690 national median for Teacher Education. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 8.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $25,000 against $34,677/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #295 ranking among 348 Teacher Education programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,677-to-$52,617 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 20,797 students enrolled in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →

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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Teacher Education at Virginia Commonwealth University?
At 45/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
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 Virginia Commonwealth University a good choice for Teacher Education despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Commonwealth University'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 →