Subject-Area Teaching at Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,547/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #325 of 348 Teacher Education programs

Program Analysis

The financial data for this program signals a typical trajectory for K-12 educators in Virginia, where starting salaries often lag behind national averages for the profession. Most graduates enter public school systems, likely within the Petersburg or greater Richmond metro area, contributing to the community but facing more modest initial compensation. The listed postsecondary roles, while lucrative, typically require advanced degrees and different career paths than those primarily prepared by this undergraduate teacher education program. Your career here will center on direct classroom impact, a deeply rewarding but financially demanding field. While aspects of curriculum or administrative tasks might see AI integration, your human connection with students remains irreplaceable. If financial growth is a key driver, you'll need to be proactive: explore high-demand subject specializations, research specific district pay scales, or plan for an advanced degree early to unlock higher earning potential and broader career options.

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 $482K $483K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 12.4x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.5x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,020
Out-of-state: $88,024 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,212
-49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,524
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,669
61% growth from Year 1

About Virginia State University

Virginia State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 4,787 students in Petersburg, VA. Pell Grant recipients make up 71% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia State 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

Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools

Other Majors at Virginia State University

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at Virginia State University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Subject-Area Teaching programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Subject-Area Teaching degree from Virginia State University?
At $27,524 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at Virginia State 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 State University a good choice for Subject-Area Teaching despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia State 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 →