Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,262
61st percentile
60th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$18,000
31% below national median

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill$67,680$43,262$57,492$18,0000.42
Assumption UniversityWorcester$49,414$48,641$27,0000.56
Stonehill CollegeEaston$54,500$44,027$26,9900.61
Gordon CollegeWenham$28,100$43,989$39,465$26,9750.61
Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater$11,389$43,800$46,339$27,0000.62
Worcester State UniversityWorcester$11,286$42,313$34,715$22,9710.54
National Median$41,809$26,0000.62

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 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.