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Teacher Education 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

Optimistic

Base Case

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)

Ranked #166 of 348 Teacher Education programs Top 50%

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	$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)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,804

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,506

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,919

18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,468/yr, Teacher Education graduates from Western Michigan University land near the $41,690 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Teacher Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,506 against $42,468/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #166 ranking among 348 Teacher Education programs places Western Michigan University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $42,468 to $49,919 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

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 Western Michigan University

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 Teacher Education at Western Michigan University?

At 55/100, Western Michigan University's Teacher Education program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Teacher Education 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 →