Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Boston College
Bachelor's Degree
bc.eduAnalysis
Boston College's teacher education program demonstrates solid mid-career earnings growth, with graduates seeing income rise from $43,262 to $57,492 over four years—a 33% increase that outpaces typical teaching trajectories. The program ranks around the 60th percentile both nationally and within Massachusetts, performing respectably but trailing several state schools like Assumption University ($48,641 starting) and Stonehill College ($44,027).
The standout feature here is the debt picture: at $18,000, BC graduates carry significantly less burden than the $27,000 Massachusetts median and $26,000 national median. This creates a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio that's particularly favorable for the teaching profession, where starting salaries tend to be modest. For a highly selective institution (16% admission rate), this suggests BC provides meaningful financial aid to education majors.
However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. BC's teacher preparation may serve a niche population well, but if your child is certain about teaching, they might find comparable outcomes with less competitive admissions at strong state options like Bridgewater State or Worcester State. The BC advantage lies primarily in the low debt load and strong mid-career growth, though those benefits need to justify the stress of gaining admission to one of the nation's most selective universities.
Where Boston College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Boston College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | $43,262 | $57,492 | +33% |
| Lesley University | $36,897 | $48,667 | +32% |
| Fitchburg State University | $40,780 | $47,459 | +16% |
| Boston University | $35,281 | $46,399 | +32% |
| Bridgewater State University | $43,800 | $46,339 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $67,680 | $43,262 | $57,492 | $18,000 | 0.42 | |
| $49,414 | $48,641 | — | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $54,500 | $44,027 | — | $26,990 | 0.61 | |
| $28,100 | $43,989 | $39,465 | $26,975 | 0.61 | |
| $11,389 | $43,800 | $46,339 | $27,000 | 0.62 | |
| $11,286 | $42,313 | $34,715 | $22,971 | 0.54 | |
| National Median | — | $41,809 | — | $26,000 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with teacher education and professional development, specific levels and methods graduates
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Training and Development Specialists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
Self-Enrichment Teachers
Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
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 Boston College, approximately 13% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.