Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at California State University-San Bernardino

Cal State San Bernardino's teacher education program shows an unusual pattern: graduates start at an alarming $25,177—barely above minimum wage—but their earnings jump 57% by year four to nearly $40,000. This ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among California's 38 teacher prep programs, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs launch graduates into higher initial salaries. The first-year figure is particularly troubling given that new teachers should be earning substantially more, especially in California's relatively high cost-of-living environment.

The moderate debt load of $12,566 is actually a bright spot—less than half the national median for this program and well below California's typical $22,140. This likely reflects the school's mission serving a heavily Pell-eligible student body (57%). However, even manageable debt becomes problematic when you're earning $25,000 in year one. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates may be transitioning from substitute or paraprofessional roles into full teaching positions, but parents should ask why this program's graduates aren't securing those positions immediately when top California programs place students into $45,000+ starting salaries.

If your child is set on teaching and cost is paramount, the low debt here matters. But understand they'll likely face a tough first year financially, and even after four years, they'll still trail peers from stronger programs by $5,000-$7,000 annually—a gap that compounds over a career.