Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Chadron State College

With a cohort of fewer than 30 graduates, the numbers here tell a preliminary story worth investigating further—but one that leans positive. Chadron State's subject-area teaching graduates start at $46,824, placing them well above the national median and competitive within Nebraska, where they rank in the 60th percentile. That's just behind UNL's program and suggests this rural campus successfully prepares teachers who can command decent starting salaries, likely in secondary education fields where subject expertise matters.

The concerning detail is the earnings plateau: graduates see essentially flat income between years one and four, which is unusual for teachers who typically climb salary schedules through experience and advanced credentials. With debt around $25,000—right at the state median—the 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio stays manageable, requiring about six months of gross income to cover borrowing. For families weighing in-state teaching programs, that's reasonable compared to alternatives.

The small sample size makes it hard to know if these patterns hold consistently. But the data suggests Chadron State delivers solid preparation for subject-area teachers at a cost that won't anchor graduates with debt—especially important given the 36% of students receiving Pell grants. If your child is drawn to teaching specific subjects and prefers a smaller campus, the financials support that choice, though they should clarify why earnings don't grow as expected.