Education at Brenau University

A 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio for a bachelor's in education is workable—manageable monthly payments on a teacher's starting salary—but the catch here is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from national peer programs, not actual outcomes from Brenau graduates. This matters because teacher salaries vary significantly by district and state, and individual school outcomes can deviate substantially from national patterns.

The estimated $38,660 first-year salary aligns with the national median for education bachelor's degrees, which at least suggests the estimate isn't wildly optimistic. In Georgia, where teacher pay has historically lagged the Southeast, starting salaries for new teachers typically range from the mid-$30,000s to low-$40,000s depending on county. The $27,000 estimated debt is close to the national median of $26,522, putting it in a reasonable zone for a four-year degree at a private university. Still, without actual data from Brenau's education graduates, you're making decisions somewhat in the dark.

The practical consideration: if your child plans to teach in Georgia public schools, research specific district salary schedules rather than relying solely on these estimates. Also contact Brenau's education department directly—they can provide placement rates, typical hiring districts, and anecdotal salary outcomes that fill in gaps the federal data can't. Teaching credentials are relatively portable and predictable career paths, which reduces some risk, but you'll want more concrete information before committing to this specific program.