Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Amarillo College

The first-year earnings of $17,997 at Amarillo College are startlingly low—this places the program in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Texas programs. Even within Texas, where teacher education associates typically earn $21,184, Amarillo graduates start nearly $3,000 below that mark. Compare this to Austin Community College's graduates earning $46,430 or even Tarrant County College's $24,507, and you're looking at a significant disadvantage during those crucial early career years.

The dramatic earnings jump to $40,281 by year four suggests graduates may be completing bachelor's degrees and moving into full teaching positions, which explains the 124% growth. However, that first year—when you're actually making loan payments—matters enormously. With $15,250 in debt (above both state and national medians for this program), graduates face a debt burden nearly equal to their entire first-year salary. That's a difficult financial position for someone likely working as a paraprofessional or substitute teacher while finishing their degree.

Given the small sample size here, these numbers could be statistical noise rather than program reality. But if you're seriously considering this path, you'd want concrete answers about job placement and whether most graduates are indeed continuing their education. The fourth-year earnings are respectable, but that first-year gap compared to peer Texas programs suggests your child might struggle more than necessary during their most financially vulnerable period.