Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Carroll University

Carroll's teacher education program carries an estimated $27,000 in debt against first-year earnings that Wisconsin peer programs suggest will be around $43,829. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio falls right in line with what's typical for teaching programs—manageable but requiring budget discipline in those first years. The estimated debt here tracks closely with the national median of $26,221, while the earnings align with both state and national benchmarks for this credential.

What's worth noting is where this program sits within Wisconsin's landscape. The state's top-performing teacher education programs—UW-Stout, UW-Platteville, and Marquette—report first-year earnings in the $46,000-$47,000 range, roughly $2,000-$3,000 above what comparable programs typically produce. That gap matters when you're carrying nearly $27,000 in loans. Teaching salaries are largely determined by district pay scales rather than where you earned your degree, but stronger programs can help with certification exam pass rates and initial job placement.

For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Carroll's smaller class sizes and private school experience justify the debt when Wisconsin's public universities offer similar credentials at potentially lower cost. The estimated figures suggest outcomes consistent with teaching programs statewide, but you'll want to compare actual net prices after aid and consider whether this specific program offers advantages—like unique certifications or stronger student teaching placements—that offset the financial picture.