Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language at Augusta University

Augusta University's TESOL certificate graduates earn about 22% more than the national median for this credential, landing at $36,305 within their first year. That's solid performance—putting graduates in the 67th percentile nationally and at the state median among Georgia's four programs. The $26,000 in typical debt translates to a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary.

Here's the practical reality: this debt load sits right at the national median for TESOL certificates, so you're not overpaying relative to peers elsewhere. The earnings advantage over typical certificate holders nationwide should make that debt manageable, though TESOL salaries don't typically skyrocket in later years. Augusta's open-admission environment (89% acceptance rate) means your child won't face brutal competition to get in, and with 38% of students on Pell grants, the school serves a genuinely diverse population.

One important caveat: the sample size here is tiny (under 30 graduates), so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. That said, if your child is passionate about language education and wants credentials without committing to a full bachelor's degree, this certificate delivers above-average earning potential at typical certificate-level debt. Just recognize they're entering a field where $36K is a reasonable starting point, not a launching pad.