Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $41,296 track close to the $41,412 national median for Teacher Education programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 7.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 30% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $30,750 debt-to-$41,296 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #327 out of 679 programs, Western Michigan University's Teacher Education offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $41,296 to $45,552 over five years (10% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.