Subject-Area Teaching at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings
$42,468/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (43% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (444,600 openings/yr)
ROI
8.3x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
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 | $508K | $507K | $483K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.3x | 8.3x | 7.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.6x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 78% | 70% | 55% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 56 | 55 | 59 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,506
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,919
18% growth from Year 1
About Western Michigan University
With 85% of applicants admitted, Western Michigan University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,704 in Kalamazoo, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →Top Career Paths
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Compare & Explore
Subject-Area Teaching at Other Schools
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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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at Western Michigan University?
At 55/100, Western Michigan University's Subject-Area Teaching program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at Western Michigan 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →