Subject-Area Teachingat Virginia State University
Graduates earn $26,547/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Subject-Area Teaching average. Base-case 10-year earnings $483K; scenarios range from $465K to $482K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Virginia State University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Virginia State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Subject-Area Teaching
How Virginia State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Virginia State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Virginia State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Subject-Area Teaching offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Subject-Area Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Subject-Area Teaching at Virginia State University
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.