Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Carroll College

Carroll College's teaching program places graduates in the 60th percentile among Montana education programs—a meaningful distinction in a state where starting teacher salaries can vary significantly by district. First-year earnings of $43,469 exceed both the state median ($36,742) and national average ($41,809), suggesting this program opens doors to better-paying districts or positions. The $27,000 in median debt translates to a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below concerning thresholds for a public service career.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. That said, Carroll's relatively low Pell grant percentage (18%) suggests students tend to come from families with more financial resources, which may help explain the moderate debt levels. The slight earnings dip by year four (-3%) is common in teaching, where early-career salary schedules compress wages and geographic moves for personal reasons can interrupt salary progression.

For families committed to teaching in Montana, Carroll offers a solid launching point with less debt than many competitors. The premium over Montana State University or UM graduates isn't enormous, but it's there. Just remember these specific numbers represent a small cohort—the program's track record may look different year to year.