Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,495
Est. from MN median (24 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,400
Est. from MN median (11 programs)

Analysis

Minnesota's education programs cluster tightly around $42,000-$46,000 in starting earnings, and Bethany Lutheran appears to fall squarely in this range. Based on comparable teacher preparation programs in Minnesota, graduates here likely earn about $42,495 in their first year—essentially matching the state median for education majors. The estimated debt of $26,400 is also typical for Minnesota's private colleges offering this credential.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is workable for a teaching career, where salaries follow predictable step increases and loan forgiveness programs exist for public school teachers. The challenge lies in Bethany Lutheran's small graduate cohort (hence the suppressed data), which means less certainty about outcomes. Top-performing programs in the state like Martin Luther College and University of Minnesota-Morris report $4,000-$5,000 higher starting salaries, suggesting meaningful variation exists even within Minnesota's teacher prep landscape.

For families committed to a faith-based teaching program at a small Lutheran college, these estimates suggest a standard financial picture for the field—manageable debt with modest but stable earnings ahead. However, without actual graduate outcomes from Bethany Lutheran itself, you're essentially betting that this program performs at the Minnesota median rather than below it. If cost is a significant concern, comparing the net price here against larger state universities with documented outcomes would be prudent.

Where Bethany Lutheran College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bethany Lutheran CollegeMankato$30,010$42,495*$26,400*
Martin Luther CollegeNew Ulm$17,770$46,706*$38,575$21,500*0.46
University of Minnesota-MorrisMorris$14,288$46,414*$41,789$24,767*0.53
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul$42,930$45,361*$40,332$26,000*0.57
Concordia College at MoorheadMoorhead$30,020$44,195*$44,319$27,000*0.61
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato$9,490$44,171*$41,039$27,000*0.61
National Median$41,809*$26,000*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Training and Development Specialists

Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.

$65,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.

$62,970/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

$62,310/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

$59,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Teachers and Instructors, All Other

All teachers and instructors not listed separately.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bethany Lutheran College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 24 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.