Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Bethel College-North Newton

Teaching positions in Kansas typically start around $44,000, and peer programs across the state cluster tightly in that range, so Bethel's estimated first-year earnings align with market reality. The estimated $30,125 in debt—about $6,000 above the state median for similar programs—means this credential costs more than what students at larger public universities typically borrow for the same career path.

The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment if you secure a teaching position immediately after graduation, but context matters: Kansas teacher salaries grow slowly, and that debt represents about 8-9 months of gross income. Bethel serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (39%), and that higher borrowing burden could strain budgets more than it would at Fort Hays or Pittsburg State, where comparable programs produce similar outcomes with lower median debt.

For families evaluating Bethel specifically, the uncertainty here is real—actual outcomes for this program's graduates aren't available because cohort sizes are too small to report. If you're drawn to Bethel's mission or campus community, understand you're likely paying a premium over public alternatives for an occupation with fairly standardized compensation statewide. Ask the school directly about job placement rates and whether graduates typically need to relocate to find positions.