Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at Concordia College at Moorhead

Concordia College at Moorhead graduates enter teaching careers earning $48,164—well above the national median for education programs and competitive with Minnesota's strongest teacher prep schools. The program ranks in the 87th percentile nationally, placing it among top performers for this degree. Within Minnesota's crowded field of 26 education programs, it sits solidly at the 60th percentile, essentially matching elite liberal arts colleges like St. Olaf ($47,807) despite a more accessible admission profile. The $27,000 debt load is typical for the field and translates to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: salaries dip to $45,077 by year four, a 6% decline that likely reflects the realities of teacher salary schedules in smaller Minnesota districts or graduates moving between positions. This isn't unique to Concordia—it's a broader challenge in education careers—but it means the strong starting salary is the high point rather than a launching pad.

For families comfortable with teaching's known trade-offs, this program delivers exactly what it promises: competitive preparation at a price point that won't burden new teachers. The debt is manageable on a teacher's salary, and starting pay positions graduates well within their profession. Just understand that year-one earnings represent the ceiling, not the floor.