Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at College of Southern Nevada

That first-year figure of $19,662 looks concerning until you understand what's actually happening here. This associate's program sits at the 60th percentile among Nevada's teaching programs, and the earnings trajectory tells the real story: graduates more than double their income within four years, reaching nearly $40,000. Many students are likely working part-time or in paraprofessional roles immediately after earning their associate's, then transitioning into full teaching positions as they complete bachelor's requirements or secure full-time classroom roles. That's a common path in education, where an associate's serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree.

The debt load of $11,069 is manageable—below both national and state medians for this program—and represents just seven months of fourth-year earnings. For families concerned about education costs, this provides an affordable entry point into teaching careers. The 30% Pell grant rate suggests the college serves working-class students who might benefit from this incremental credentialing approach.

The major caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. But the pattern makes sense for Nevada's education sector. If your child is certain about teaching and needs to work while studying, this associate's degree offers a low-debt path forward, particularly if they continue toward a bachelor's. Just understand that year-one earnings reflect a transitional period, not the ultimate career destination.